×

Ethernet and USB powered printers and methods for supplying ethernet and USB power to a printer

  • US 8,587,825 B2
  • Filed: 01/20/2006
  • Issued: 11/19/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/20/2005
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A printing device capable of obtaining power from at least one of an Ethernet network transmission line and a USB connection, the printing device comprising:

  • a power and data interface in communication with a port, the port being one of a standard powered Ethernet communication port that is compliant with IEEE 802.3af, and a four-pin USB communication port, the power and data interface being configured to separate data transmission from power transmission;

    a first power converter in communication with the power and data interface;

    a printer control and image generating circuit in data communication with the power and data interface and in communication with the first power converter, the printer control and image generating circuit configured to;

    determine an amount of required power for an upcoming operation of the printing device;

    determine, from communications with at least the first power converter, available power from the first power converter that is generated based on the power transmission that is available to the printing device for the upcoming operation; and

    determine printing control parameters based on the required power and the available power;

    a print mechanism in data communication with the printer control and image generating circuit configured to receive print control and image data from the printer control and image generating circuit;

    a power storage unit in communication with the print mechanism; and

    the power storage controller in communication with the first power converter and the power storage unit.

View all claims
  • 7 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×