Wireless facsimile adapter and system for printer and all-in-one devices and methods using the same

• US 20050009560A1
• Filed: 07/09/2003
• Published: 01/13/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 07/09/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lexmark International Incorporated (Ninestar Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Lexmark International Incorporated (Ninestar Corporation)
• Inventors: Reed, William H., Foldes, Francis Jr., Combs, James L., Cavill, Barry R., Zbrozek, John D.
• Granted Patent: US 7,151,949 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/556.100
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00206 Transmitting or receiving computer data via an image communication device, e.g. a facsimile transceiver H04N1/00236 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00281 with a telecommunication apparatus, e.g. a switched network of teleprinters for the distribution of text-based information, a selective call terminal details of transmission H04N1/00095; establishing a communication with one of a facsimile machine or another apparatus sharing a single line H04N1/32704; interfacing cordless telephone terminals with an accessory to increase the functionality of user interface H04M1/72409
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00315 with a radio transmission apparatus with a cordless telephone H04N1/00305; systems or arrangements for the transmission of a picture signal specially adapted for transmission via radio H04N1/00103; H04N1/00307 takes precedence; radio transmission systems H04B7/00; wireless communication networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0067 Converting to still picture data
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0068 Converting from still picture data
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0081 Image reader H04N2201/0091 - H04N2201/0094 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0082 Image hardcopy reproducer H04N2201/0091 - H04N2201/0094 take precedence

Abstract

An apparatus for connecting a printer to a cellular radio system. The adapter allows the printer to conduct facsimile operations. The adapter has a facsimile module which includes executable instructions for decoding fax data and processing the fax data to generate print data for printing; a cell radio; one or more communication ports having at least one of the communication ports in communication with the printer; and a data encoder in communication with the facsimile module and the cell radio. The data encoder is configured to convert data transmitted between the facsimile module and the cell radio.

Claims

1. An adapter for connecting a printer to a cellular radio system, wherein the adapter enables the printer to conduct facsimile operations, comprising:

a facsimile module, wherein the facsimile module includes executable instructions for decoding fax data and processing the fax data to generate print data for printing;

a cell radio;

one or more communication ports, wherein at least one of the communication ports is in communication with the printer; and

a data encoder in communication with the facsimile module and the cell radio, wherein the data encoder is configured to convert data transmitted between the facsimile module and the cell radio.

2. The adapter of claim 1, further comprising a peripheral controller, wherein the peripheral controller includes executable instructions to control the printer.

3. The adapter of claim 1, wherein at least one of the communication ports is a universal serial bus.

4. The adapter of claim 1, further comprising a network controller, wherein the network controller comprises executable instructions to establish a network connection through at least one of the communication ports.

5. The adapter of claim 4, further comprising a fax over IP module, wherein the fax over IP module comprises executable instructions for processing fax data through the network connection.

6. The adapter of claim 4, wherein the network connection comprises a wireless network connection.

7. The adapter of claim 1, wherein at least one of the communication ports comprise an RJ-11 connection.

8. The adapter of claim 1, further comprising a user interface, wherein the user interface is configured to receive instructions from a user.

9. The adapter of claim 8, wherein the user interface comprises a video display.

10. The adapter of claim 8, wherein the user interface comprises a plurality of input keys.

11. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the facsimile module further contains executable instructions for determining a priority order on selection of a communication port to utilize for facsimile operations.

12. An adapter for connecting a printer and scanner to a cellular radio system, wherein the adapter enables the printer and scanner to conduct facsimile operations, comprising:

a facsimile module, wherein the facsimile module includes executable instructions for encoding data received from the scanner and decoding fax data and processing the fax data to generate print data for printing;

a cell radio;

a peripheral controller, wherein the peripheral controller includes executable instructions to control the printer and the scanner;

one or more communication ports, wherein at least one of the communication ports is in communication with the printer and at least one of the communication ports is in communication with the scanner; and

a data encoder in communication with the facsimile module and the cell radio, wherein the data encoder is configured to convert data transmitted between the facsimile module and the cell radio.

13. An adapter for connecting a all-in-one device to a cellular radio system, wherein the adapter enables the all-in-one device to conduct facsimile operations, comprising:

a facsimile module, wherein the facsimile module includes executable instructions for encoding data received from the all-in-one device and decoding fax data and processing the fax data to generate print data for printing;

a cell radio;

a peripheral controller, wherein the peripheral controller includes executable instructions to control the all-in-one device;

one or more communication ports, wherein at least one of the communication ports is in communication with the all-in-one device; and

a data encoder in communication with the facsimile module and the cell radio, wherein the data encoder is configured to convert data transmitted between the facsimile module and the cell radio.

14. A system for performing facsimile operations on a printer over a cellular network, wherein the printer lacks facsimile receiving functionality, the system comprising:

an adapter for connecting the printer to a cellular radio system;

a printer; and

a communication link between the printer and the adapter;

wherein the adapter comprises;

a facsimile module having executable instructions for decoding fax data and processing the fax data to generate print data for printing;

a cell radio;

one or more communication ports, wherein at least one of the communication ports is in communication with the printer; and

a data encoder in communication with the facsimile module and the cell radio, wherein the data encoder is configured to convert data transmitted between the facsimile module and the cell radio.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the communication link comprises a wireless communication link.

16. A method for receiving, through a cellular network system, a facsimile on a printer, wherein the printer lacks facsimile receiving functionality, the method comprising:

receiving facsimile data in a first format from a cellular network system;

decoding the received facsimile data into a second format;

generating print data corresponding to the received facsimile data in the second format; and

transmitting the print data to a printer to record an image corresponding to the print data.