Add-on scanner for existing ink jet printer
First Claim
1. A method for operating an ink-jet printer for scanning images, the printer being of the type having a frame defining a print media path, means for advancing print media along said media path, an output path for receiving print media after passing through said print media path, a carriage mounted on said frame for traversing said media path, an ink-jet print head mountable on said carriage for printing upon media received in said media path, and means for selecting between optically scanning print media received in said media path in a scanning mode and printing upon media received in said media path in a printing mode, said method comprising the steps of:
- printing on said print media in the printing mode;
placing said printer in the scanning mode;
inserting print media having an image thereon into a print media input of the printer;
mounting a scanner on the printer output tray;
advancing the print media through the print media path in the printer; and
scanning the image as the print media moves through the print media path.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A scanner removably mountable on a printer output tray for scanning images on print media driven through a print media path in the printer. The scanner includes a hood with a light source which is mounted internally on the hood and directed toward the print media path to illuminate an image on the print media. A mirror reflects the image illuminated by the light source to a sensor which detects the reflected image and converts it to an electrical signal. The scanner is operable under the control of a scanner electronics cartridge which is inserted into a printer access port normally designated to receive font cartridges. The scanner electronics cartridge communicates the electrical signals to a host personal computer over an I/O cable that is connected between the scanner and the personal computer.
76 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for operating an ink-jet printer for scanning images, the printer being of the type having a frame defining a print media path, means for advancing print media along said media path, an output path for receiving print media after passing through said print media path, a carriage mounted on said frame for traversing said media path, an ink-jet print head mountable on said carriage for printing upon media received in said media path, and means for selecting between optically scanning print media received in said media path in a scanning mode and printing upon media received in said media path in a printing mode, said method comprising the steps of:
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printing on said print media in the printing mode; placing said printer in the scanning mode; inserting print media having an image thereon into a print media input of the printer; mounting a scanner on the printer output tray; advancing the print media through the print media path in the printer; and scanning the image as the print media moves through the print media path. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 13)
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4. An apparatus for scanning optical images and printing comprising:
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a frame defining a print media path having a beginning and an end; means for advancing print media along said media path; means for printing upon media received in said media path; an output tray at the end of said media path for receiving print media after passing through said print media path; a scanner removably mounted on said output tray for optically scanning media received in said output tray; and means for selecting between optically scanning print media received in said output tray and printing upon media received in said media path.
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9. An apparatus for scanning optical images and printing connected to a host computer comprising:
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a printer having a frame defining a print media path and an output tray for receiving a scanner, said printer having means for advancing print media along said print media path to said output tray, and said printer having a carriage mounted on said frame for receiving a print head for printing on said print media; a scanner mounted on said output tray for optically scanning media received in said output tray; a printer controller electrically connected to said printer for controlling said means for advancing print media, said carriage, and said print head; a controller interface port electrically connected to said printer controller for connecting the printer controller to a scanner electronics cartridge; a communication channel electrically connected between said printer controller and said host computer for transferring data between the printer controller and the host computer. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12)
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14. An apparatus mountable on a printer output tray for scanning images on print media driven through a print media path in the printer, said apparatus comprising:
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a hood mountable on said printer output tray; a light source mounted on an internal position of said hood and directed toward said print media path; a mirror for reflecting an image on print media illuminated by said light source; and a sensor for detecting such a reflected image and converting it to an electrical signal. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification