U.S. patent application number 10/626693 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-07 for photograph facsimile apparatus and method.
Invention is credited to Meyer, John F..
Application Number | 20050073713 10/626693 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23177053 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050073713 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Meyer, John F. |
April 7, 2005 |
Photograph facsimile apparatus and method
Abstract
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for sending and receiving
data such as photographic or other color images. The apparatus
includes a housing and a data entry module such as a number were
keypad for dialing. It also includes a recording mechanism, for
example a color printer for recording data received onto the fixed
medium, for example to produce color photographs.
Inventors: |
Meyer, John F.; (San Diego,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY
Intellectual Property Administration
P.O. Box 272400
Fort Collins
CO
80527-2400
US
|
Family ID: |
23177053 |
Appl. No.: |
10/626693 |
Filed: |
July 24, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10626693 |
Jul 24, 2003 |
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09304565 |
May 4, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
358/1.15 ;
358/1.16; 358/400 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/0049 20130101;
H04N 1/00347 20130101; H04N 2201/0093 20130101; H04N 2201/0087
20130101; Y10S 358/906 20130101; H04N 2201/0051 20130101; H04N
1/00384 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/001.15 ;
358/001.16; 358/400 |
International
Class: |
G06F 015/00; H04N
001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for sending and receiving a photograph or other
image to be printed on a fixed medium, the device comprising: a
housing; a data entry element on a hand-accessible surface of the
housing for entering a destination for the signals representing an
image; a wall defining an opening for outputting a medium on which
is fixed an image; paper storage; and a connection for receiving
JPEG data from a camera storage element.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising memory for storing
signals representing an image.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an interface between
the housing and a communications line for transmitting signals from
and receiving signals in the housing representing images.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising conversion means for
converting signals representing an image into data for controlling
a printer for printing an image onto the paper.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a printer in the
housing for printing an image onto the paper.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising a feed mechanism for
feeding the paper from the storage to the printer.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 further including means for receiving
and sending digital image files.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the receiving and sending means
includes a color fax modem.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a paper cartridge
received within the housing for supplying paper.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 further including a color printer for
retrieving a sheet of paper from the paper cartridge and printing a
color image on the paper.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the printer is sized to
accept paper the larger than six inches wide.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a handset for voice
communication.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a display for
providing information to a user.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a print button.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an indicator for
indicating that digital images are stored and ready for
printing.
16. The apparatus of claim 14 further including means for
controlling the indicator to produce flashing light.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 further comprising means for printing
an image on the medium and a print button for causing printing
means to print on the medium and the wherein the indicator is on
the print button.
18. A device for sending and receiving a photograph or other image
to be printed on a fixed medium, the device comprising: a housing
having a top; a data entry key pad on the top of the housing for
entering a telephone number destination for signals representing an
image; a wall defining an output for printing a medium on which is
fixed an photo image; a paper cartridge; a connection for receiving
JPEG data from a camera storage element; memory for storing signals
representing an image; an interface jack between the housing and a
communications line for transmitting signals from and receiving
signals in the housing representing images; conversion means for
converting signals representing an image into data for controlling
a printer for printing an image onto the paper; and a printer in
the housing for printing an image onto the paper.
19. A device for sending and receiving a photograph or other image
to be printed on a fixed medium, the device comprising: a housing
having a top; means on top of the housing for entering data
representing a destination for signals representing the image;
means within the housing for printing the image onto a medium;
removable means for removably holding a plurality of sheets of the
medium; connecting means associated with the housing for receiving
JPEG data from a camera storage element; means within the housing
for storing signals representing an image; means for transmitting
signals from and receiving signals in the housing representing
images; and means for converting signals representing an image into
data for controlling a printer for printing and image onto the
paper.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS
[0001] 1. Field of the Inventions
[0002] The present inventions relate to telephones and facsimile
apparatus, including those that can receive data and print data
such as images, as well as send and receive voice information.
[0003] 2. Background of the Inventions
[0004] Facsimile machines have developed from simple data receivers
and document printers to sophisticated telecommunications devices
having scanners, multiple paper supply trays, extensive telephone
number storage, delayed dial and redial and transmission
scheduling, as well as significant memory capacity. Early facsimile
machines were simple one shot devices that scanned a sheet or page
and converted the scanned data to analog signals representing the
information scanned from the sheet. The analog signals were sent
over the telephone lines simultaneously as the sheet was being
scanned. Data received over the telephone lines from an originating
fax machine are converted from the original analog form from the
telephone lines to signals used to control a printer to record on a
sheet of paper the information scanned on the originating fax
machine. The printer presents the information essentially at the
same time as it is received. The paper for printing was typically
thermal paper fed from a roll. These fax machines typically
included a stand-alone telephone connected in line with the fax
machine, or an integrated number dialing pad, along with start and
stop switches and the like for controlling the fax machine.
[0005] More conventional fax machines now have programmable and
delayed transmission, automatic redial, transmission monitoring,
large amounts of storage for scanning and storing documents for
immediate or delayed transmission and fax broadcasting. Digital
displays are used for ease-of-use, display of send and receive
information, error information, storage capacity and the like.
Numerous selection keys are included with the standard numeric
keypad for storage of automatic dial numbers and other often-used
information. Large amounts of storage memory capacity are used to
make these capabilities possible, such as document storage,
telephone number storage, automatic redial information, and the
like. Plain paper trays and plain paper printers are commonly used
in conventional fax machines, and multiple paper trays are often
used for different paper sizes, paper reserve, and the like. These
additional capabilities typically come with increased power
consumption, cost, and size for meeting the demands of customers
having multiple needs.
[0006] With the increased capabilities, it is more difficult for
these machines to provide quality results at the same level for all
of the functions and capabilities of the multifunction fax machines
without significant cost and design effort. While technology
advances have improved the quality of scanning and printing of
documents, especially documents containing text, fax machines have
typically been designed to optimize ease-of-use for business
customers, high-volume users and others requiring fast machines,
high throughput and reliability. Consequently, efforts have not
been devoted to designing fax machines to meet needs and uses
uniquely suited for families and home users. Because of their
complexity and technological advances, many conventional fax
machines are too expensive, too large and over designed for many
home uses, except for document and text intensive applications
common to business users. Fax machines are needed which are more
suitable to the needs of families wanting to transmit such data as
family photographs, high-quality images such as color images and
the like, and are less expensive than conventional fax
machines.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS
[0007] Apparatus and methods are described which provide for
sending and receiving information such as color photograph images
and for printing such images on conventional photographic or other
paper. These apparatus and methods can take the form of a
conventional telephone set capable of receiving data such as color
image information from a digital camera and converting the data to
signals capable of being faxed to a receiving unit. The receiving
unit can convert the incoming signals so that the information can
be printed as photographs. Such apparatus require relatively little
space and are relatively low-cost.
[0008] In one form of the inventions, apparatus are provided for
sending and receiving data such as photographic or other color
images. The apparatus includes a housing and a data entry module
such as a number or keypad for dialing and a recording mechanism,
for example a color printer, for placing data received onto a fixed
medium. The apparatus is especially suited for receiving
information representing color photographs by a fax process and
printing the information as color photographs. The apparatus can
take the form of a conventional telephone set having a hand set and
dialing functions with fax modem transmission capabilities. The
telephone set includes a color printer module and a paper supply
for printing images on the paper.
[0009] In one preferred form of the invention, the apparatus
includes a housing with a number keypad and a display and a
conventional handset similar to conventional desk telephones having
multiple line displays. A paper supply cartridge or other source of
a fixed medium is included in housing for printing images on the
paper and out putting the paper for the user. The paper supply can
be photographic paper or conventional paper stock. In one preferred
embodiment, the printer is a high-quality color printer capable of
printing high-quality color images at high-resolution.
[0010] In another form of the invention, the apparatus includes a
housing and a data entry module and a fax module or fax capability.
A printer or other image-quality recording device is included
within the housing for printing the images received. The housing
also includes a way for receiving photographic images such as color
images from a digital camera The receiving mechanism may include a
cable connection, a disk storage docking station for reading image
information from a digital camera storage disk, an infrared data
port for receiving infrared signals from a transmitter in a digital
camera or other means for receiving image data in the apparatus.
-With this apparatus, digital photographic images can be taken with
digital cameras, transferred to the apparatus of the present
invention and transmitted to similar apparatus at a remote location
for receipt and eventual printing. Typically, identical units would
be at both locations. With this apparatus, families can take
pictures and immediately transmit them to other family members at
other locations, without having to wait for development,
processing, digitizing or other transformation of the images.
Overly sophisticated, complicated, expensive and large equipment is
not required, and minimal processing can be easily carried out to
provide good quality color photographs. Other applications are also
possible.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a telephone facsimile device
that can also print color photos, in accordance with one aspect of
the present inventions.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of a camera for producing
digital data representing images that can be used in conjunction
with the apparatus of the present inventions.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the apparatus of FIG. 1
showing a digital data input/output port and a paper tray for
holding paper to be printed with color photographs.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a schematic depiction of a process for
transferring digital data from an imaging device such as a camera
to a first device and subsequent transmission to a second device in
accordance with one aspect of the present inventions.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a schematic and plan view of hardware for use in
the device of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a schematic and block diagram of data devices for
use in the device of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] In accordance with one or more aspects of the present
inventions, apparatus and methods are described for sending and
receiving information such as color photographs and printing those
photographs on paper. In at least one aspect of the present
inventions, the apparatus and methods of the present inventions
provide a relatively compact telephone similar to ones currently
used in many homes and offices and which can also send and receive
digital color photographs for printing without requiring the size
and all of the sophisticated components found in conventional fax
machines. The apparatus can be configured to be operated without
significant training, even by those unfamiliar with conventional
fax machines. The units are relatively low-cost and have a number
of applications such as sending family photos between family
members, sending photographic information in the field, such as
between military units, and exchanging photographs in police or
other government agencies. These and other benefits and
applications will be apparent after considering the following
detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the
drawings.
[0018] In a preferred embodiment, one or more of the inventions can
be implemented in an apparatus or device such as fax phone 20
(FIGS. 1 and 2) for sending and receiving a photograph or other
image (not shown) to be printed on a fixed medium, such as
photographic paper 22 to produce the photograph 24. The fax phone
is compact and relatively small in size and occupies a relatively
small space on a countertop or table. The fax phone 20 can be as
easy to operate as conventional telephones and is more simple that
many conventional fax machines.
[0019] The fax phone includes a housing 26 having a conventional
shape including a base 28 (FIG. 3), a front side 30, a back side
32, top 34, right side face 36 and left side face 38. The sides
preferably have a trapezoidal shape or outline similar to many
conventional desk phones so that the top face is more easily
accessible and visible to the user for easier operation. The
housing is preferably formed from impact resistant plastic or other
suitable material and configured in a way similar to conventional
phones for accepting and supporting a conventional handset 40 (not
shown in FIG. 3), communicating with the electronics in the housing
26 through a conventional cord or other suitable configuration (not
shown).
[0020] The fax phone also includes communications interface such as
a telephone line connection or jack 42 for communicating analog
and/or color digital signals between the fax phone and a remote
system (not shown) such as the phone utility company or other
communications service. The jack 42 would be configured to receive
a conventional modular plug for a telephone cable so that the fax
phone can send and receive voice communications and can also send
and receive fax communications. The jack 42, as well as the
connection for the hand set cord, are positioned on the housing at
locations convenient for external access as well as for connection
to a printed circuit board or other hardware internal to the
housing for operating the fax phone. Instead of the jack 42, the
communications interface may be a cable, fiber-optic, cordless
transceiver module for communicating with a base station or other
apparatus for communicating voice and other signals representing
photographic information.
[0021] The fax phone 20 also includes a data entry assembly 44 for
entering one or more items of information, such as telephone
numbers, names, and the like. The data entry assembly 44 can also
be used to select various functions that the fax phone can carry
out. In the preferred embodiment, the data entry assembly 44
includes a conventional keypad 46 showing the conventional 10
digits and the alphabet, as well as a star or cancel key and a
pound or enter key. The keypad 46 can be used to enter a
destination telephone number for sending a fax. The keypad 46 can
also be used to enter telephone numbers for storage where the fax
phone has a number memory capability. Telephone numbers can be
stored in a memory device, discussed more fully below, and
retrieved through use of one or more memory keys 48. The memory
keys 48 are preferably similar to speed dial or other similar
memory keys on conventional phones. These keys can have single or
multiple functions, just as with conventional phones. For example,
multiple numbers can be stored corresponding to a given key, or a
phone number can be stored in a memory register corresponding to
the key when an auxiliary or select button is pressed, and another
number or function may be associated with the same key when no
select button is pressed. Additionally, multiple numbers can be
stored in association with fewer keys or a single key, and they can
be accessed simply by pressing the key multiple times. Other
combinations are also possible, but more simple designs are
preferred.
[0022] Depending on the functions desired for the fax phone 20,
additional function keys 50 can be included or assigned, depending
on the preferred design. For example, one or more of the function
keys 50 can be used for selecting additional telephone lines,
placing a line on hold, for redial, volume control and the like. It
should also be understood that these function keys 50 as well as
other keys on the fax phone can be configured to have either single
or multiple functions.
[0023] The fax phone 20 also preferably includes several dedicated
function keys 52 such as a send key 54 for entering a send command
to the fax phone to send data from the fax phone through the
interface 42 to a similar fax phone at a telephone number as
entered into the keypad 46 or selected from memory. The send key 54
is similar in function and purpose to the send key on a
conventional fax machine. Specifically, the send key is
electronically coupled to components on the printed circuit board
of the fax phone 20 to enable a dedicated processor 56 (FIG. 6) to
retrieve data from memory 58 or some other data source and send the
data to an output module 60 for sending the data through the
interface 42 to the phone utility for being delivered to the phone
number previously transmitted by the processor 56. The phone number
is obtained either from memory 58, based on pressing of one or more
function keys 48 and/or 50, or through entry of number selections
from the keypad 46. While it is possible that information contained
in memory or in a removable memory module without intervention or
control using a function keys such as the send key 54, it is
preferred to provide a measure of control over what, when and how
images or other information are sent from the photo fax phone 20.
Using the send key 54 provides a measure of certainty and
reliability in the operation of the fax phone 20.
[0024] The fax phone 20 also includes another function key such as
the cancel key 62 (FIG. 1) for canceling any current selections,
current operations such as sending out a fax, or canceling
previously entered data or selections. The cancel key 62 can also
serve to reset the processor 56, reset memory registers and the
like. The cancel key 62 can also be used to reverse one or more
entries, as a function of the number of times the cancel key is
pressed.
[0025] The fax phone may also include a select function key 64 for
selecting keys to be activated for entry of data, for selecting
functions, for example depending on how many times the select key
is pressed, as well as other functions. In the preferred embodiment
of the fax phone 20, the select key 64 is also configured to select
one or more photographic images from an image source. For example,
where multiple photo images are available, the select key 64 is
used to identify one or more of the photo images to be stored in
memory 58 or to be faxed to a selected telephone number.
[0026] The fax phone 20 also preferably includes a further function
key, such as print key 68, for out putting an image onto a fixed
medium, for example printing the photo 24 onto the photographic
paper or other fixed medium 22 from memory 58, from an incoming
data signal, or from some other source. Therefore, the print key 68
can be used to control the printing of an image coming into the fax
phone through the interface 42 rather than having the image being
stored in memory 58 by the processor 56. In another function, the
print key 68 can be used to print a previously stored image from
memory 58 through operation of the processor 56 without more, or in
conjunction with selection of one or more images through the select
key 64 or one or more other function keys. The print key 68 is a
control which directly or indirectly sends image information
through operation of the processor 56 to a printer 70 (FIG. 6) for
creating a photograph. While it is possible that photographs can be
printed from the fax phone automatically, or without any
intervention, it is preferred to provide some level of control of
the printing process from the fax phone 20.
[0027] The orientation, size and arrangement of the keypad and
function keys can be selected and varied as desired. In the
preferred embodiment, the keys are easily accessible for manual
operation and easily distinguishable one from the other so that
they can be operated by people having different capabilities. The
keypad can be formed with any number of designs, such as membrane
switches and the like. The keys can be labeled in any desired
manner, and can even be labeled using codes or other indicia to
minimize the possibility of unauthorized use. Therefore, one or
more of the keys can be labeled differently than as shown in FIG. 1
but still carry out the same or similar functions.
[0028] The fax phone 20 also preferably includes a human
perceptible output such as a display 72 for providing information
to a user. The display may indicate that a photo is waiting to be
sent or to be printed, identify a number being dialed, identify a
caller, identify the source of any photo data stored in memory,
display the time, date or other information. The display would also
be used to display information stored in memory to permit easy use
of the fax phone. For example, the display would provide
instructions for using various parts of the fax-phone, such as
printer options, fax options and calling options. The display can
also be used while entering data for storage, configuring the fax
phone according to frequent operations, preferred settings, number
storage and the like. The display can be a multiple line display
with any desired configuration, capacity and the like. The display
can be illuminated, and can have all the features, functions and
capabilities of displays on conventional phones, as well as some or
all of the features, functions and capabilities of displays on
conventional fax machines. The display can also be operated using
one or more of the function keys on the fax phone.
[0029] The output may also include, as part of the display 74 or
separately, an audio output such as a voice module for audibly
indicating information to the user. For example, the output may be
an announcement of the remote site to which an image file is being
sent. It may also announce that an image has been received from a
site for which the identification has been recorded in memory. It
may supplement or duplicate functions of the visual display as
well.
[0030] In accordance with a further aspect of the present
inventions, the fax phone 20 preferably includes one or more image
data interfaces 74 for receiving image data from a camera 76 or
from some other image source. In one preferred embodiment, the
camera is a digital camera having a memory module such as a flash
disk module 78, shown on the side of the camera 76 in FIG. 2.
However, it should be understood that the memory module 78 can be
located in any convenient location on the camera The data
interfaces 74 on the fax phone 20, in this embodiment of the
inventions, is complementary to and configured to accept the flash
disk module 78 so that the image data on the module 78 can be
retrieved from the module 74 and transferred to the processor 56.
The image data interfaces 74 is preferably a passive
interconnection between the fax phone 20 and the memory module 78.
The image data interfaces 74 include conventional contacts or
connections for permitting transfer of data from the memory module
78 to the processor 56 along bus 80 under the control of processor
56.
[0031] The image data interfaces 74 can also be a removable cable
connection to the camera 76 for transferring image data from the
camera to the processor 56 through the interfaces 74. The
interfaces 74 are still preferably formed as a passive interface or
connection for transferring the digital image information from the
camera 76 to the processor 56. Other forms of the interfaces 74 may
include an infrared receiver and/or transmitter similar to those
available with digital cameras. In many circumstances, the digital
color image information will be transferred as a JPEG file to the
fax phone. Therefore, the data interfaces 74 preferably reliably
transfer such digital image data without loss or degradation due to
noise such as might be created by interference and the like.
[0032] The fax phone 20 also preferably includes a blank storage
element such as a paper supply, bin or cartridge 82 containing
multiple blank sheets or other form of paper supply onto which the
color or other photo image will be printed. The paper cartridge 82
is preferably sized and configured so has to support, hold and
control the feed of one or only several sizes of paper to be
printed. In the preferred embodiment, the paper cartridge holds
only four inch by six inch sheets of photo quality paper. The paper
cartridge is preferably removable so that the paper supply can be
replenished or changed. In a preferred embodiment, the paper
cartridge 82 has many of the characteristics of conventional paper
cartridges or paper trays such as surfaces to minimize inadvertent
disengagement of the tray from the fax phone, lightweight
construction, easy alignment and insertion into the fax phone, and
easy accessibility for removal or exchange from the fax phone.
[0033] The fax phone 20 also includes an opening in the rear wall
32 for accommodating a photo output mechanism 84, which may be part
of the printer, described more fully below. The photo output 84 may
be as simple as an opening in the housing for a modular attachment
at the output of the printer. The photo output 84 can be located at
any number of locations on the fax phone, including the front wall
30 of the fax phone, having sufficient room within the housing to
accommodate the printer between the cartridge 82 and the output
84.
[0034] The fax phone housing will preferably contain all of the
electronics used for voice and data communication, in conjunction
with the interfaces incorporated on the surfaces of the fax phone.
Preferably, the fax phone will appear to the user very much like a
conventional desk telephone, so that the user will feel comfortable
operating the fax phone and printing photos received from remote
locations or from the camera memory module. Internally, the fax
phone will include one or more printed circuit boards 86 (FIG. 5),
or other supports for the electronics and electro-mechanical
hardware used in the phone. The details of the electronics and
their interconnections are not shown in FIG. 5 because it is
intended to be a block diagram showing the overall components and
one possible configuration for those components. In addition to the
conventional circuitry, switches and keypad hardware common to
modern telephones, depicted generally by the box 88, the permit
circuit board will include the telecommunications hardware 90. The
telecommunications hardware 90 includes the telecommunications port
42 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, along with any other hardware used for
voice and fax modem communications. The telecommunications hardware
90 includes a switch, solenoid or other electro-mechanical device
to connect the processor to the port 42. Preferably, the
telecommunications hardware easily handles signals representing
color photographic information, such as JPEG files which may vary
in size from several hundred thousand bits to over one million
bits.
[0035] The print circuit board 86 also includes the camera
interface hardware 92 for accepting the digital data from the
camera memory cartridge or other data storage device. Preferably,
the camera interface hardware 92 is identical to the hardware 74
and electrically coupled to the electronics on the printed circuit
board to permit reliable and quick transfer of data between memory
58 and the camera memory cartridge 78 (FIG. 2). While it should be
understood that the interface hardware 92 can be mounted directly
to the printed circuit board, other methods of supporting the
interface hardware 92 can be used. For example, the interface
hardware 92 can be supported by the housing and coupled to the
printed circuit board through a ribbon cable or other electrical
connection. The same is true for the other electrical and
electro-mechanical components inside the housing.
[0036] The printed circuit board 86 preferably includes the display
72 and associated display drivers and other electronics or firmware
conventionally used with displays in conventional telephones. The
display 72 can also be mounted directly to the printed certain
board or otherwise supported so that data can be provided to the
display under control of the processor 56. Typically, the size and
complexity of the display determines the location and support used
for the display. In the preferred embodiment, the display is sized
and configured to permit display of conventional voice telephone
data and information as well as such fax and photo printing
information as may be desired either simultaneously or based on
selections entered on the keypad. For example, the display can be
used to indicate the number of images in the camera memory module,
which images are selected for storage in memory, which images are
to be faxed, and which images are to be printed. The display can
also be used to indicate the amount of memory used for each image,
the amount of time left to complete a fax transmission, and other
similar information. Additionally, part of the display and
associated hardware and firmware can be used to control an
indicator 94 (FIG. 1) on the print button 68 to indicate that photo
images are available to be printed. For example, the indicator 94
can be used to alert the user that a photo image has been received
over the fax. The user can then press the print button to print one
or more of the photos received. Other indicators can also be
included on or adjacent to the printed circuit board to either
highlight buttons on a keypad or provide information to the
user.
[0037] While in most cases the paper cartridge would not
necessarily be associated with the printed circuit board 86, a
paper cartridge dock 96 is shown occupying part of the space
underneath the printed circuit board 86. Paper cartridge dock may
take any number of configurations for accepting and supporting the
paper cartridge to permit a printer to remove individual sheets of
blank paper onto which a photo is to be printed. In one
configuration, the paper cartridge dock is defined
circumferentially by walls 98 (FIG. 3) in the housing to properly
orient the paper cartridge. The dock can also include guides,
tracks or rails formed in one or more walls of the housing, such as
the base wall 28 to support the cartridge from below. The walls 98
can also serve to limit the amount that the cartridge can be
inserted into the housing, by inter-acting with stops or
projections (not shown) on the cartridge 82.
[0038] The paper cartridge dock is positioned within the housing of
the fax telephone adjacent to 80 printer 100 (FIG. 5) so that the
printer can selectively pickup and withdraw individual sheets of
paper from the paper cartridge and feed the paper through the
printer for printing an image. In the preferred embodiment, the
printer accepts only blank sheets four inches by six inches in size
and produces a photo quality print. Preferably, the printer is
configured for only a single print quality or resolution. The
printer preferably includes a suitable disposable pen 102 capable
of printing 600 dpi with cyan, magenta and yellow ink. The printer
may also include ink level gauges for the ink and paper.
[0039] A camera suitable for use with the present inventions may be
any conventional digital camera or other camera capable of
providing digital image formats. The camera may have sufficient
resolution and memory to store one mega-pixel worth of image data,
or smaller data sizes producable with digital cameras such as CCD
cameras. The camera may come with a cable, compact flash capability
or infrared image transfer capability for transferring image from
the camera to the phone, in addition to the disk or other memory
storage medium 78.
[0040] In operation, the fax telephones will operate for voice
communication the same as conventional telephones. For photo fax
communication, digital image files will be transferred from the
camera 76 to an available fax phone 20 (FIG. 4) through the
removable disk 78. The disk is placed on the interface 74 and the
digital information downloaded to the memory 58 under control of
the processor 56 or directly through the fax modem 90 and out the
phone line 104 to a destination phone 20A dialed up using the
keypad on the phone 20. If the digital photo image information is
stored in memory, one or more of the images can be selected using
the select key 64, the receiving fax phone number entered using the
keypad 46 and the images sent by pressing the send key 54. When the
images are received by phone 20A, the processor stores the images
in memory and sends a signal to the indicator light 94 and/or to
the display 72 to indicate that images have been received and are
ready to be printed, through a flashing light, steady light or some
other appropriate signal. The display can also display the name or
telephone number of the sending fax phone. The user at fax phone
20A can then select which images to print using the select key 64
and pressing the print button 68. The processor sends the image
information to the printer and a print command so that the printer
selects a sheet of blank paper and prints the image on the paper.
The printer and any other hardware can be powered through a
conventional power cord 105 or other suitable power source.
[0041] Using these fax phones, photo images can be taken and
immediately sent to others, such as family members in other cities,
without having to wait for developing time, mail delays, and the
like. Many other applications are available for these fax phones,
including real estate applications, law-enforcement and military
uses. These fax phones will be easy to use, are low-cost and take
up very little space relative to conventional telephones. They can
be used to print high-quality color photos taken immediately before
using conventional digital cameras. Relatively little training
would be needed to operate the units.
[0042] Although the present inventions have been described in terms
of the preferred embodiments above, the described embodiments of
the invention are only considered to be preferred and illustrative
of the inventive concepts; the scope of the inventions are not to
be limited or restricted to such embodiments. Various and other
numerous arrangements and modifications may be devised without
departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions. Accordingly,
the present invention is not limited to those embodiments precisely
shown and described in the specification. It is intended that the
scope of the present inventions extends to all such modifications
and/or additions.
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