Apparatus and method for printing from data provided by a mobile communications device

• US 20050037709A1
• Filed: 08/14/2003
• Published: 02/17/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 08/14/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Inventors: Hwang, Pete
• Application Number:
  US10/641,630
• Publication Number:
  US 20050037709A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/66.100
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/3877 Arrangements for enabling portable transceivers to be used in a fixed position, e.g. cradles or boosters
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/6041 Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72409 by interfacing with external accessories hands-free H04M1/60
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72412 using two-way short-range wireless interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00127 Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00278 with a printing apparatus, e.g. a laser beam printer
• 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 1/00307 with a mobile telephone apparatus constructional features of portable telephone sets H04M1/0202; mobile radio systems H04W84/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0055 By radio
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0056 Using mechanical couplings, e.g. mating elements H04N2201/0049, H04N2201/0051, H04N2201/0058 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0082 Image hardcopy reproducer H04N2201/0091 - H04N2201/0094 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0084 Digital still camera

Abstract

A printing apparatus includes a printer with a detachable faceplate configured to receive data from a mobile communications device.

Claims

1. A printing apparatus, comprising:

a printer with a detachable faceplate configured to receive data from a mobile communications device.

2. The printing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the printer is a photo printer.

3. The printing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the detachable faceplate includes a cradle, and the printer is configured to receive the data when the mobile communications device is held in the cradle.

4. The printing apparatus of claim 3, wherein the cradle includes a recessed portion sized to accommodate a back portion of the mobile communications device.

5. The printing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the printer includes means for establishing a wireless communications link with the mobile communications device.

6. The printing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the detachable faceplate includes means for establishing a wireless communications link with the mobile communications device.

7. The printing apparatus of claim 3, further comprising:

a speakerphone, the printer being configured to provide an operative interface between the speakerphone and the mobile communications device when the mobile communications device is held in the cradle.

8. The printing apparatus of claim 3, further comprising:

means for recharging the mobile communications device when the mobile communications device is held in the cradle.

9. The printing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the printer includes a printing mechanism that is tilted backward relative to a front side of the printer.

10. The printing apparatus of claim 9, wherein the printer includes a power supply that is positioned behind the printing mechanism and integrated within a housing of the printer.

11. The printing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the printer includes a printing mechanism that is horizontally positioned relative to a bottom side of the printer.

12. The printing apparatus of claim 3, wherein the cradle is tilted backward relative to a front side of the printer.

13. The printing apparatus of claim 3, wherein the cradle is horizontally positioned relative to a bottom side of the printer.

14. A printing apparatus, comprising:

a printer configured to be operatively interconnectable with a plurality of different cradle mechanisms that are respectively configured to receive data from a plurality of differently configured mobile communications devices.

15. The printing apparatus of claim 14, wherein the printer is a photo printer.

16. The printing apparatus of claim 14, wherein one or more of the cradle mechanisms is configured to receive the data via a wireless communications link.

17. The printing apparatus of claim 14, further comprising:

a speakerphone including a speaker and a microphone;

wherein the printer is configured to provide an operative interface between a mobile communications device and the speakerphone when one of the cradle mechanisms is operatively interconnected with the printer and the mobile communications device is held in the cradle mechanism.

18. The printing apparatus of claim 14, further comprising:

means for recharging a mobile communications device when one of the cradle mechanisms is operatively interconnected with the printer and the mobile communications device is held in the cradle mechanism.

19. The printing apparatus of claim 14, wherein the printer includes a printing mechanism that is tilted backward relative to a front side of the printer.

20. The printing apparatus of claim 19, wherein the printer includes a power supply that is positioned behind the printing mechanism and integrated within a housing of the printer.

21. The printing apparatus of claim 14, wherein the printer includes a printing mechanism that is horizontally positioned relative to a bottom side of the printer.

22. The printing apparatus of claim 14, wherein one of the cradle mechanisms is tilted backward relative to a front side of the printer when the printer is operatively interconnected with the cradle mechanism.

23. The printing apparatus of claim 14, wherein one of the cradle mechanisms is horizontally positioned relative to a bottom side of the printer when the printer is operatively interconnected with the cradle mechanism.

24. An accessory for a mobile communications device, comprising:

a cradle sized to receive and support a mobile communications device, the cradle including a recharger mechanism, a printer, and a faceplate adapted to provide recharging and data transfer interfaces to the recharger mechanism and the printer, respectively.

25. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 24, wherein the printer is a photo printer.

26. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 24, wherein the cradle is configured to receive the data when the mobile communications device is held in the cradle.

27. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 26, wherein the cradle includes a recessed portion sized to accommodate a back portion of the mobile communications device.

28. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 24, wherein the cradle includes means for establishing a wireless communications link with the mobile communications device.

29. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 24, further comprising:

a speakerphone including a speaker and a microphone, the cradle being configured to provide an operative interface between the speakerphone and the mobile communications device when the mobile communications device is held in the cradle.

30. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 24, wherein the recharger mechanism is configured to recharge the mobile communications device when the mobile communications device is held in the cradle.

31. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 24, wherein the printer includes a printing mechanism that is tilted backward relative to a front side of the cradle.

32. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 31, further comprising:

a power supply that is positioned behind the printing mechanism.

33. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 24, wherein the printer includes a printing mechanism that is horizontally positioned relative to a bottom side of the cradle.

34. An accessory for a mobile communications device, comprising:

a printer configured to receive data from a mobile communications device, the printer including a printing mechanism that is tilted such that an upper portion of the printing mechanism is further away from a front portion of the printer than a lower portion of the printing mechanism.

35. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 34, wherein the printer is a photo printer.

36. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 34, wherein the printing mechanism is tilted backward at an angle of 15-20 degrees from upright.

37. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 34, wherein the printing mechanism is configured to advance a printed photograph such that the printed photograph emerges from the upper portion of the printing mechanism and held in a presentation position generally facing the front portion of the printer.

38. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 37, wherein the presentation position is tilted backward relative to the front portion of the printer.

39. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 34, wherein the presentation position is tilted backward at an angle of 15-20 degrees from upright.

40. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 34, wherein the printer includes an integrated power supply positioned behind the printing mechanism.

41. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 40, wherein the integrated power supply is generally triangular in shape.

42. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 34, wherein the printer includes means for establishing a wireless communications link with the mobile communications device.

43. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 34, wherein the printer includes a cradle and is configured to receive the data when the mobile communications device is held in the cradle.

44. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 43, wherein the cradle is tilted backward relative to the front portion of the printer.

45. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 43, wherein the cradle includes a recessed portion sized to accommodate a back portion of the mobile communications device.

46. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 43, further comprising:

a speakerphone including a speaker and a microphone, the printer being configured to provide an operative interface between the speakerphone and the mobile communications device when the mobile communications device is held in the cradle.

47. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 43, further comprising:

means for recharging the mobile communications device when the mobile communications device is held in the cradle.

48. An accessory for a mobile communications device, comprising:

a printer configured to receive data from a mobile communications device, the printer including a printing mechanism and a power supply, the power supply being integrated into a rear portion of the printer and complementary in shape to the printing mechanism.

49. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 48, wherein the printer is a photo printer.

50. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 48, wherein the printing mechanism is tilted backward relative to a front portion of the printer.

51. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 50, wherein the power supply is positioned behind the printing mechanism.

52. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 48, wherein the power supply is generally triangular in shape.

53. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 48, wherein the power supply is wedge-shaped.

54. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 48, wherein the printer includes means for establishing a wireless communications link with the mobile communications device.

55. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 48, wherein the printer includes a cradle and is configured to receive the data when the mobile communications device is held in the cradle.

56. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 55, wherein the cradle is tilted backward relative to a front portion of the printer.

57. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 55, wherein the cradle includes a recessed portion sized to accommodate a back portion of the mobile communications device.

58. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 55, further comprising:

a speakerphone including a speaker and a microphone;

wherein the printer is configured to provide an operative interface between the speakerphone and the mobile communications device when the mobile communications device is held in the cradle.

59. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 55, further comprising:

means for recharging the mobile communications device when the mobile communications device is held in the cradle.

60. An accessory for a mobile communications device, comprising:

a printer including a speakerphone with a speaker and a microphone, the printer being configured to receive data from a mobile communications device and to provide an operative interface between the speakerphone and the mobile communications device.

61. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 60, wherein the printer is a photo printer.

62. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 60, wherein the printer includes a cradle and is configured to receive the data when the mobile communications device is held in the cradle.

63. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 62, wherein the printer is configured to provide the operative interface between the speakerphone and the mobile communications device when the mobile communications device is held in the cradle.

64. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 62, wherein the cradle is tilted backward relative to a front portion of the printer.

65. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 62, wherein the cradle is horizontally positioned relative to a bottom side of the printer.

66. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 62, wherein the cradle includes a recessed portion sized to accommodate a back portion of the mobile communications device.

67. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 62, further comprising:

means for recharging the mobile communications device when the mobile communications device is held in the cradle.

68. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 60, wherein the printer includes a printing mechanism that is tilted backward relative to a front portion of the printer.

69. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 68, wherein the printer includes a power supply positioned behind the printing mechanism.

70. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 60, wherein the printer includes a printing mechanism that is horizontally positioned relative to a bottom side of the printer.

71. The accessory for a mobile communications device of claim 60, wherein the printer includes means for establishing a wireless communications link with the mobile communications device.

72. A method of printing, comprising the steps of:

providing data from a mobile communications device to a printer;

employing the printer and the data to print an article of media; and

advancing the article of media to a printed media presentation position above the printer such that the article of media emerges from the printer at an angle tilted backward with respect to a front side of the printer.

73. The method of printing of claim 72, wherein the step of providing data includes establishing an electrical interconnection between the mobile communications device and the printer.

74. The method of printing of claim 73, wherein the step of establishing an electrical interconnection includes docking the mobile communications device together with the printer.

75. The method of printing of claim 72, wherein the step of providing data includes transmitting the data via a wireless communications link.

76. A method of providing a printer for a mobile communications device, comprising the steps of:

identifying a printer; and

from a plurality of different modular interface mechanisms, selecting an interface mechanism configured to detachably engage with the printer and to provide an operative interface between the printer and a mobile communications device depending upon shape and electrical interface characteristics of the mobile communications device.

77. A method of providing a printer for a mobile communications device, comprising the steps of:

providing a printer that is configured such that a mobile communications device can establish a wireless communications link with the printer;

enabling a user of the mobile communications device to establish the wireless communications link and to transmit data from the mobile communications device to the printer via the wireless communications link;

monitoring transfers of data from the mobile communications device to the printer; and

debiting an account associated with the user depending upon usage of the printer involving the transfers of data.

78. The method of providing a printer for a mobile communications device of claim 77, wherein the printer is provided to the user at no cost.

79. The method of providing a printer for a mobile communications device of claim 77, wherein the printer is provided to the user at a subsidized cost.

80. The method of providing a printer for a mobile communications device of claim 77, further comprising the step of:

using a Bluetooth wireless system to provide the wireless communications link.

81. The method of providing a printer for a mobile communications device of claim 77, further comprising the step of:

using a 802.11 wireless system to provide the wireless communications link.

82. The method of providing a printer for a mobile communications device of claim 77, further comprising the step of:

using a third generation (3G) wireless system to provide the wireless communications link.