Interface circuit for utilizing a facsimile coupled to a PC as a scanner or printer

• US 5,530,558 A
• Filed: 04/11/1994
• Issued: 06/25/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 04/11/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Infinity Computer Products Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Marvin Nachman
• Inventors: Nachman, Bruce
• Primary Examiner(s): Coles, Sr., Edward L.
• Assistant Examiner(s): LEE, CHEUKFAN
• Application Number:
  US08/226,278
• Time in Patent Office: 806 Days
• Field of Search: 358/442, 358/443, 358/400, 358/468, 358/471, 358/401, 358/434, 358/440, 379/100, 379/251, 379/252, 379/375, 348/14-20
• US Class Current: 358/442
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00236 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 image input to or image output from a computer via a network H04N1/00209
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00238 using an image reproducing device as a local output from a computer output via network, e.g. network printing H04N1/00233
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00241 using an image reading device as a local input to a computer input via network, e.g. network scanners H04N1/00225
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0034 Details of the connection, e.g. connector, interface
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0062 Stand-alone interface device
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0093 Facsimile machine H04N2201/0094 takes precedence

Abstract

Apparatus for interfacing a conventional facsimile machine with a PC enabling the use of the facsimile machine as a scanner or printer. A first switch assembly selectively couples the PC modem and facsimile machine either to independent telephone lines in a normal mode or to one another in a scan/print mode. A manually operated switch assembly is depressed for a brief interval sufficient to activate a ringing circuit which converts DC power from a small battery source to a 20 Hz sine wave of 90 volt amplitude and applies the sine wave signal to the PC to cause the PC or facsimile to enter into a scan or print mode, respectively. The manually operable switch is then released to apply a constant current to the facsimile machine to simulate an off-hook condition. A facsimile machine start button is then operated to start the facsimile machine which scans documents provided therein and transmits the scanned data in a conventional facsimile transmission format or activate the PC to transmit a fax in conventional facsimile transmission format to utilize the facsimile machine as a printer. The PC may be equipped with a suitable software program for converting non-graphic, i.e. such as word-type information into a binary format suitable for use in word processing applications and may store the data in a memory for subsequent use. An automatic circuit (25) may be provided to initiate a scanning or printing mode responsive to receipt of a unique number received from either the facsimile machine or the PC, thus eliminating the need for switches.

Claims

1. A device for coupling a facsimile machine with a personal computer, comprising:

first switch means having a normal mode position for electrically isolating the facsimile machine from the computer and coupling the computer and facsimile machine to at least one local telephone line and a scan/print mode position for directly electrically connecting the facsimile machine to the computer and isolating the computer and facsimile machine from the telephone line;

second switch means normally biased to a first switch position and having a manually operable switch member for moving said second switch means against said bias to a second position;

a small, low voltage DC source;

current generator means having an input and an output, said output being coupled to said facsimile machine;

ring generating means for generating a sinusoidal ring signal of a predetermined frequency and amplitude when coupled to said DC source; and

said second switch means including means for coupling said DC source to said ring generating means and for coupling the sinusoidal ring signal of said ring generating means to said computer when said manually operable switch member is moved to said second position and for decoupling said DC source from said ring generating means and decoupling the ring generating means from said computer and for coupling said DC source to said current generating means responsive to return of said second switch means to said first position, upon release of said manually operable switch member;

whereby the output of said ring generating means causes said computer to enter a scanning or print mode and subsequent application of said constant current to said facsimile machine and computer simulates an off-hook condition enabling the facsimile machine to transmit data presented in a document scanned by the facsimile machine to said computer or to transmit data from said computer to be printed by the facsimile machine responsive to a simulated off-hook condition.

2. The interface device of claim 1 wherein said ring generating means further comprises means for generating positive-going pulses;

transformer means; and

bridge circuit means coupling said transformer means to said ring generating means, said bridge means and paid transformer means cooperating to convert said positive-going pulses into a substantially sinusoidal signal of a given amplitude and frequency.

3. The interface device of claim 1 wherein said current generator circuit comprises a series circuit coupled between said first and second switch means and includes semiconductor means and current limiting means for generating a constant current and light emitting means coupled in series with said semiconductor means and being illuminated when said second switch means is in said first position.

4. The interface device of claim 1 wherein said first switch means comprises a four-pole, double-throw switch assembly.

5. The interface device of claim 1 wherein said second switch means comprises a three-pole, double-throw switch assembly.

6. The interface device of claim 15 wherein said switch assembly is further characterized by comprising three switch arms (SW1-1, SW1-4, SW1-7) being ganged together to operate under the control of an operating member (B1);

and

bias means normally urging said three switch arms to said first positions.

7. The interface device of claim 4 wherein said four-pole, double throw switch assembly is further characterized by comprising four switch arms being ganged together to operate under the control of said operating member;

and

said four movable switch arms are movable to either a first or second position respectively corresponding to a normal mode position and a scan/print mode position.

8. The interfacing device of claim 1 further comprising:

automatic tone detector circuit means for detecting a unique number dialed from either the facsimile machine or the PC modem to automatically activate first and second relay means;

said first relay means, when activated, operating said first switch means to said scan/print mode;

said second relay means, when activated, operating said second switch means to said second switch position;

timing means energized responsive to activation of said second relay means for generating a signal after a predetermined time interval, between one and two seconds; and

means for deactivating said second relay means responsive to timing out of said timing means whereby said second switch means returns to said first switch position.

9. The interfacing device of claim 1 wherein said interface means is provided upon a circuit board arrangement positioned within said PC.

10. The interfacing device of claim 9 wherein said circuit board arrangement includes a facsimile modem-type circuit card.

11. The interfacing device of claim 10 wherein said circuit board arrangement is a PC compatible printed circuit card.

12. The interfacing device of claim 11 wherein said interface means is coupled to the facsimile machine by way of an RJ-11 telephone cable.

13. The interfacing device of claim 1 being mounted upon a circuit board arrangement which is positioned within the facsimile machine.

14. The interfacing device of claim 1 being mounted upon a circuit board arrangement which is combined with standard circuitry of external facsimile modem interface means coupled to the computer by way of an RS-232 connecting means.

15. The interfacing device of claim 1 wherein said interface means is provided upon a circuit board arrangement of standard PCMCIA card size for insertion into a card receiving slot in a PC for coupling the interface means to a PCMCIA bus provided in the PC.

16. A device for coupling a facsimile machine with a personal computer, comprising:

first switch means having a normal mode position for electrically isolating the facsimile machine from the computer and a scan/print mode position for directly electrically connecting the facsimile machine to the computer;

second switch means normally biased to a first switch position and having a manually operable switch member for moving said second switch means against said bias to a second position;

a small, low voltage DC source;

current generator means having an input and an output, said output being coupled to said facsimile machine;

ring generating means for generating a sinusoidal ring signal of a predetermined frequency and amplitude when coupled to said DC source; and

said second switch means including means for coupling said DC source to said ring generating means and for coupling the ring signal of said ring generating means to said computer when said manually operable switch member is moved to said second position and for decoupling said DC source from said ring generating means and decoupling the ring generating means from said computer and for coupling said DC source to said current generating means and coupling the current generating means to the computer and facsimile machine responsive to return of said second switch means to said first position, upon release of said manually operable switch member;

whereby the output of said ring generating means causes said computer to enter a scanning or print mode and subsequent application of said constant current to said facsimile machine simulates an off-hook condition enabling the facsimile machine to transmit data presented in a document scanned by the facsimile machine to said computer or to transmit data from said computer to be printed by the facsimile machine responsive to a simulated off-hook condition;

said ring generating means further comprising;

means responsive to said low voltage DC source for generating an adjustably selectable output signal of a given frequency;

phase delay means for delaying said given frequency output signal;

step-up transformer means having primary and secondary transformer windings;

said secondary transformer winding being selectively coupled to said computer through said second switch means; and

bridge circuit means for alternately coupling said given frequency signal and said delayed given frequency signal to opposing inputs of said primary winding.

17. The interface device of claim 16 further comprising passive circuit element means for adjusting the output frequency of said adjustable pulse generating means.

18. The interface device of claim 16 wherein said phase delay means comprises adjustable, one-shot multivibrator means.

19. The interface device of claim 18 further comprising passive circuit elements for adjusting the phase delay magnitude of said phase delay means.

20. The interface device of claim 16 wherein said bridge circuit means is comprised of first and second branch circuits;

first ends of said first and second branch circuits having a first end coupled in common to a current limiting resistor;

second ends of said first and second branch circuits being coupled in common to a ground potential;

each of said first and second branch circuits comprising first and second transistors connected in series, each having a control electrode;

each of said branch circuits being coupled to a respective input of said primary winding;

said given frequency pulse signal being coupled to a control electrode of a first transistor in said first branch circuit and being coupled to a control electrode of first transistor in said second branch circuit through inverter means; and

said delayed given frequency signal being coupled to the control electrode of the second transistor in said second branch circuit and being coupled to the control electrode of the second transistor in said first branch circuit through inverter means, whereby said first and second branch circuits are rendered conductive in an alternating fashion and said step-up transformer means converts said alternating pulses into a sinusoidal output signal.

21. The interface device of claim 16 wherein said step-up transformer provides a ten to one (10:

1) ratio of output signal to input signal.

22. The interface device of claim 16 wherein said step-up transformer input winding comprises a pair of windings coupled in parallel and said output winding comprises a pair of windings coupled in parallel.

23. A ring generating device comprising:

a low voltage DC source;

adjustable pulse generating means responsive to said low voltage DC source for generating an adjustably selectable output signal of a given frequency;

phase delay means for delaying said given frequency output signal;

step-up transformer means having primary and secondary transformer windings;

said secondary transformer winding being selectively coupled to a device for receiving a ringing signal through a switch means; and

bridge circuit means for alternately coupling said given frequency signal and said delayed given frequency signal to opposing inputs of said primary winding to generate at an output of the secondary winding a sinusoidal ring signal of the desired frequency and an amplitude greater than an amplitude of the DC source.

24. The ring generating device of claim 23 further comprising passive circuit element means for adjusting the output frequency of said adjustable pulse generating means.

25. The ring generating device of claim 23 wherein said phase delay means comprises adjustable, one-shot multivibrator means.

26. The ring generating device of claim 23 wherein said bridge circuit means is comprised of first and second branch circuits;

first ends of said first and second branch circuits having a first end coupled in common to a current limiting resistor;

second ends of said first and second branch circuits being coupled in common to a ground potential;

each of said first and second branch circuits comprising first and second transistors connected in series, each having a control electrode;

each of said branch circuits being coupled to a respective input of said primary winding;

said given frequency pulse signal being coupled to a control electrode of a first transistor in said first branch circuit and being coupled to a control electrode of first transistor in said second branch circuit through inverter means; and

said delayed given frequency signal being coupled to the control electrode of the second transistor in said second branch circuit and being coupled to the control electrode of the second transistor in said first branch circuit through inverter means, whereby said first and second branch circuits are rendered conductive in an alternating fashion and said step-up transformer means converts said alternating pulses into a sinusoidal output signal.

27. The ring generating device of claim 23 wherein said step-up transformer provides a ten to one (10:

1) ratio of output signal to input signal.

28. A method of interfacing a computer with a facsimile machine, enabling use of the facsimile machine as a scanner or printer for the computer, comprising the steps of:

(a) operating a first switch assembly from a normal position electrically isolating the computer from the facsimile machine and coupling the computer and facsimile machine to at least one telephone line to a scan/print position coupling said computer to said facsimile machine and isolating the facsimile machine and computer from the telephone line;

(b) momentarily operating a second switch assembly from a normally occupied first position to a second position for activating a ring generating circuit to generate a sinusoidal signal of a given frequency and amplitude and applying said signal to said computer and facsimile machine to cause said facsimile machine to initiate a scan mode or a print mode;

(c) releasing said second switch means after a brief interval, between one and two seconds to return the second contact assembly to the first position to remove said sinusoidal signal from said computer and facsimile machine and activating a constant current generating circuit for generating a constant current and applying said constant current to said computer and facsimile machine to simulate an off-hook condition; and

either

(d) operating a start button provided on said facsimile machine to initiate a facsimile transmission whereby said facsimile machine transmits signals to said computer representative of information on a document scanned by said facsimile machine responsive to the simulated off-hook condition and operation of the start button;

or

(e) whereby the computer transmits signals to the facsimile machine when in a print mode, responsive to the simulated off-hook condition.

29. The method of claim 28 further comprising the step of:

storing signals received by said computer in memory means for subsequent use.

30. A method of interfacing a facsimile machine with a computer to cause said facsimile machine to operate as a scanning device, comprising the steps of:

(a) coupling the facsimile machine to the computer and isolating the facsimile machine and the computer from a telephone line;

(b) generating a sine wave signal of a given frequency and amplitude representative of a standard facsimile machine call signal and applying said signal to said computer for a short given time interval, between one and two seconds whereby the computer is conditioned to receive signals representing data on a scanned document;

(c) generating a constant current signal after termination of said sinusoidal signal and applying said constant current signal to said facsimile machine to simulate an off-hook condition whereby the facsimile machine is conditioned to transmit signals representing data on a scanned document; and

(d) operating a facsimile machine start button for initiating transmission of said facsimile machine for transmitting information to said computer representative of a document being scanned by said facsimile machine.

31. The method of claim 30 further comprising the step of:

storing signals received by said computer in memory means for subsequent use.

32. A device for interfacing a facsimile machine with a personal computer, comprising:

first switch means having a normal mode position for electrically isolating the facsimile machine from the computer and a print mode position for electrically connecting the facsimile machine to the computer;

second switch means normally biased to a first switch position and having a manually operable switch member for moving said second switch means to a second position;

a small, low voltage DC source;

current generator means having an input and an output, said output being coupled to said facsimile machine; and

said second switch means including means for coupling said DC source to said current generator when said manually operable switch member is moved to said second position;

whereby the output of said current generator means simulates an off-hook condition enabling the computer to transmit data from said computer for printing by the facsimile machine.