Photograph facsimile apparatus and method

• US 20050073713A1
• Filed: 07/24/2003
• Published: 04/07/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 05/04/1999
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: John F. Meyer
• Original Assignee: John F. Meyer
• Inventors: Meyer, John F.
• Application Number:
  US10/626,693
• Publication Number:
  US 20050073713A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 358/1.150
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00347 with another still picture apparatus, e.g. hybrid still picture apparatus circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between image input and image output device H04N1/32
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00384 Key input means, e.g. buttons or keypads electromechanical details of key input means in general H01H13/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/0049 providing a visual indication to the user, e.g. using a lamp H04N1/00408 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0051 Card-type connector, e.g. PCMCIA card interface
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0087 Image storage device
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0093 Facsimile machine H04N2201/0094 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 358/906 Hand-held camera with recorder in a single unit

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.

Claims

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.