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WO1998008157A2 - Dispositif d'entrainement de papier pour ordinateur portatif - Google Patents

Dispositif d'entrainement de papier pour ordinateur portatif Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1998008157A2
WO1998008157A2 PCT/NO1997/000206 NO9700206W WO9808157A2 WO 1998008157 A2 WO1998008157 A2 WO 1998008157A2 NO 9700206 W NO9700206 W NO 9700206W WO 9808157 A2 WO9808157 A2 WO 9808157A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
paper
drive
compartment
paper drive
tray
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NO1997/000206
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO1998008157A3 (fr
Inventor
Jouni Rudvin
Original Assignee
Jouni Rudvin A/S
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Jouni Rudvin A/S filed Critical Jouni Rudvin A/S
Priority to AU40348/97A priority Critical patent/AU4034897A/en
Publication of WO1998008157A2 publication Critical patent/WO1998008157A2/fr
Publication of WO1998008157A3 publication Critical patent/WO1998008157A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1615—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with several enclosures having relative motions, each enclosure supporting at least one I/O or computing function
    • G06F1/1616—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with several enclosures having relative motions, each enclosure supporting at least one I/O or computing function with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J3/00—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
    • B41J3/36—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for portability, i.e. hand-held printers or laptop printers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J3/00—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
    • B41J3/44—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms having dual functions or combined with, or coupled to, apparatus performing other functions
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1632—External expansion units, e.g. docking stations

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a paper drive for a portable computer (PC).
  • PC portable computer
  • Portable PCs handle data rapidly and efficiently on all media except paper: Hard disks, diskette drives, CD ROM drives and modems can be accomodated inside the PC - as well as disks and modems in very small PCMCIA cards.
  • the printer manufacturer Canon has introduced a PC having a built-in printer, with the paper path along the underside of the computer. This combination has not sold well, probably because one has to carry the printer whether it is needed not: The printer is an integral part of the PC, and cannot be disconnected.
  • EP 540,301 mentions a similar portable printer device with a paper guide "in the rear”.
  • a portable PC with a printer connected to the rear of the PC. Electrical connections between printer and PC are made by direct attachment to the normal PC connectors in the rear. Hence the printer may receive both control signals and power supply via the PC connectors.
  • the printer is equipped with a lid which in an upright position may be used as a paper guide, which can be folded down over the printer and the PC, and which during transport may be used for paper storage.
  • GB 2,276,312 is limited to a printer function, and in addition the lid is only a paper support/feeding guide down toward the printer.
  • a paper drive for a personal computer of portable type (portable PC), comprising a paper compartment, a main unit and connectors for control signals and electric power from the PC, the PC having at its rear a docking interface, the paper drive being directly connectable to the connectors of the PC docking interface through a complementary connector section in its front, so that PC and paper drive constitute a single but separable physical entity.
  • the paper drive of the invention is particularly characterized in that the main unit comprises an integrated printer and scanner with a common paper path and paper exit, but separate paper sources.
  • a paper drive for a personal computer of portable type (portable PC), comprising a paper tray or paper compartment, a main unit and connectors for control signals and electric power from the PC, the PC having in its rear an interface for a docking station, the paper drive being directly connectable to the connectors of the PC docking interface through a complementary connector section at its front, so that PC and paper drive constitute a single but separable physical entity, and in this second aspect the paper drive is characterized in that the main unit comprises a scanner for scanning sheets of paper placed in the paper tray/paper compartment, the scanner being controlled from the PC via a serial or a parallel port in the docking interface, or the connector for the internal PC bus.
  • the main unit comprises a scanner for scanning sheets of paper placed in the paper tray/paper compartment, the scanner being controlled from the PC via a serial or a parallel port in the docking interface, or the connector for the internal PC bus.
  • fig. 1 shows a PC and a paper drive in accordance with the invention, in an inactive/portable state
  • fig. 2 shows the same as in fig. 1 , but in an active state and connected to a docking station
  • fig. 3 shows the same as in fig. 1 , but with a paper drive embodiment adapted to a "thin" PC.
  • a docking station can usually accomodate data cards and/or other auxiliary equipment, but the main point is the same as that of a port replicator: It is possible to connect and disconnect the PC in a single operation, instead of connecting/disconnecting each individual connector.
  • this docking interface can by used in another way: Instead of carrying a PC, a printer and a scanner as separate units, the paper drive can be designed so as to connect directly to the docking interface, so that both PC and paper drive may be carried as a single unit - ready for use, without first having to unpack and connect the various parts.
  • FIG. 1 the paper drive and PC are shown in a first embodiment of the invention, in an inactive or transportable state.
  • the PC 8 has its screen/cover 6 folded down, its rear docking interface 1 is connected to the paper drive's main unit 9, and the cover/paper compartment 4 covers them both.
  • the paper compartment/cover 4 may consist of only a paper tray, into which the paper is put before use. Most small, portable printers use such an open tray. However, the cover may also be an enclosed paper compartment, which protects the paper and thereby also the inside of the paper drive from dust and dirt, and also functions as paper storage during transport. This means that one will not have to insert printing paper after transport and remove it again before transport: The printer can always be ready for use - any time and any where.
  • the cover 4 is even more effective as both a paper compartment and a paper tray, one above the other: A compartment for printer paper and a tray 5 for documents to be scanned, see fig. 2.
  • the paper drive will not live up to its name until it is able to operate both as a printer and a scanner. Being able to scan as well as print, the drive can be used both for taking out hard copy, scanning paper documents into the PC, and copying documents. When copying, the scanned documents can be stored temporarily on the PC hard disk, before being printed out.
  • the paper drive can be used both as a printer, a scanner, a copying machine and (with the PC modem) a telefax machine, with all the functions available in one compact unit which may be carried along with the PC. It is important for the unit to be as small and light as possible. The necessary scanning and printing hardware is already available within very small dimensions, and the trend towards miniaturization has certainly not stopped yet.
  • the paper feed mechanism in the unit - primarily rollers - is, according to the first aspect of the invention, common to the printer and the scanner. This means that the two functions cannot be used simultaneously, but this is a small price to pay for a significant reduction in weight and size.
  • the paper drive is shown open for use.
  • the cover 4 has been tilted back to a more or less upright position, then the cover/screen 6 of the PC has been opened.
  • a hinged stabilizing system for the cover 4 is indicated, and this system may also function as a paper guide, at the end of the paper path.
  • the paper path 7 is shown as a dashed line from the paper compartment/cover 4 and from the paper tray 5, through the main unit 9, exiting upward just behind the PC screen 6.
  • the docking interface 1 at the rear of the PC 8, intended for connecting to a docking station 3, is instead connected to a complementary connector section on the main unit 9.
  • this main unit 9 has a corresponding connector section 2, which may be connected to a docking station 3.
  • the paper drive comprises a scanner only.
  • the outer design corresponds to what is shown in figs. 1 , 2 and 3, but the cover 4 may comprise only a paper tray 5.
  • the scanner in the paper drive will be adapted to be controlled from the PC via either a serial or a parallel port, or the connector for the internal PC bus.
  • connection at the docking interface 1 must be physically strong and rigid, possibly equipped with an extra safeguard in order for the two connected parts 8 and 9 to form an integrated and mechanically rigid unit when connected.
  • a safeguard 11 may e.g. be a transverse lid or bar, fitting snugly across the front of the PC when both the paper compartment 4 and the PC screen 6 are closed, so that the paper drive is held in place both at the front and the rear of the PC.
  • the paper drive does not need a separate power supply. This also contributes to the drive being much lighter than a comparable printer.
  • Most PCs with an external battery eliminator have their power cable attachment at the rear , i.e. as part of the docking station interface. In that case, the power connection may pass through the paper drive, and the drive can "steal" power on the way.
  • the paper drive For the paper drive to be used on internal PC power, drawing current from the PC battery, small changes to the internal power supply configuration within the PC may be required - possibly including a different type of current connector. The same goes for PCs with a built-in battery eliminator - the paper drive must be able to draw power from the PC.
  • the power supply is one of two areas in which such an adaptation may be necessary. Securing the paper tray/ paper compartment is the other: A potential safeguard 11 may be integrated with a lock on the PC screen. Beyond these two areas, there should be no need for adaptations to the PC.
  • Controlling the paper drive from the PC via the docking interface may be done either through the parallel port - printer cables are usually connected to the PC parallel port - or by using the so-called bus connector. Via this connector the paper drive can connect directly into the internal PC data bus, so that it can be controlled as part of the PC's internal equipment - the hard disk, the diskette drive, and so on.
  • the paper drive can also be designed to include a port replicator - so that the same docking station interface at the rear of the PC is repeated at the rear of the paper drive, and the connections between the respective connectors are led through the unit. Thereby the paper drive can be used not only while travelling, but also in the office, while the PC is connected to its usual docking station.
  • the essential hardware - for printing, scanning and paper feed - may be designed and manufactured by a single manufacturer (or a small number of manufacturers) in economically large numbers. This is then sold to various PC manufacturers for final assembly along with the parts that are different from one brand or model of PC to another:
  • the docking interface connector (at the front as well as the rear of the paper drive), and the design of the cover for the whole unit. This cover must be adapted to the size and shape of the PC.
  • Most PC manufacturers will probably wish to manufacture not only the cover, but the whole outside casing of the paper drive - to make the PC and the paper drive together appear as a single unit in design, texture and colour.
  • Portable PCs are constantly becoming thinner, particulary the models that do not include a CD-ROM or diskette drive.
  • the PC will be thinner (lower) than the paper drive's main unit 9 (under the paper compartment), and then the PC/paper drive combination may have a more or less triangular shape, as indicated in fig. 3, where the main unit 9 is slanted on top 10, and the paper compartment 4 follows this slanting angle down to the front of the PC.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mathematical Physics (AREA)
  • Accessory Devices And Overall Control Thereof (AREA)
  • Handling Of Sheets (AREA)

Abstract

On décrit un matériel auxiliaire destiné à un ordinateur personnel (PC) portatif (8) et contenant un explorateur et, éventuellement, une imprimante complétée par une alimentation en papier, un plateau et/ou un compartiment à papier. Cette unité, que l'on appelle 'dispositif d'entraînement de papier', est connectée à l'interface d'accueil (1) du PC ou déconnectée de celle-ci. Sur son côté arrière, ce dispositif d'entraînement de papier présente une interface correspondante (2), de façon à ce que l'on puisse utiliser également l'unité lorsque le PC (8) est relié à sa propre station d'accueil (3). On peut utiliser ce dispositif d'entraînement de papier avec un plateau ou un compartiment à papier, ou avec une combinaison des deux, c'est-à-dire un compartiment (4) de stockage de papier pour l'imprimante et un plateau (5) pour l'explorateur; on replie ce dispositif en l'abaissant sur l'écran (6) du PC, aux fins de transport de celui-ci, et on l'ouvre et le place plus ou moins verticalement derrière l'écran du PC, lorsque l'on s'en sert. Le trajet (7) du papier part du compartiment ou plateau, descend dans l'unité principale et remonte ensuite derrière l'écran (6) du PC. Ce dispositif d'entraînement du papier fonctionne avec l'alimentation en énergie du PC (8) et communique avec ce dernier via le port parallèle ou le connecteur de bus de l'interface (1).
PCT/NO1997/000206 1996-08-19 1997-08-18 Dispositif d'entrainement de papier pour ordinateur portatif WO1998008157A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU40348/97A AU4034897A (en) 1996-08-19 1997-08-18 Paper drive for portable computer

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NO963454A NO963454A (no) 1996-08-19 1996-08-19 Papirstasjon for bærbar PC
NO963454 1996-08-19

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1998008157A2 true WO1998008157A2 (fr) 1998-02-26
WO1998008157A3 WO1998008157A3 (fr) 1998-04-02

Family

ID=19899724

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/NO1997/000206 WO1998008157A2 (fr) 1996-08-19 1997-08-18 Dispositif d'entrainement de papier pour ordinateur portatif

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU4034897A (fr)
NO (1) NO963454A (fr)
WO (1) WO1998008157A2 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE20000523U1 (de) 2000-01-13 2000-04-20 roda computer GmbH, 77839 Lichtenau Transportable Computer-Drucker-Einheit
EP1254772A1 (fr) * 2001-04-26 2002-11-06 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Appareil d'enregistrement à jet d'encre et procédé de commande d'un appareil d'enregistrement
DE10160076C1 (de) * 2001-12-07 2003-06-18 Eberhard Wahl Druckende Rechnererweiterungseinheit und druckende Kombination/Anordnung von Rechner und einer Erweiterungseinheit
GB2384585A (en) * 2001-10-09 2003-07-30 Hewlett Packard Co A Digital Clipboard for Data Entry

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4680674A (en) * 1984-07-16 1987-07-14 Moore Fergus E Modular computer system with integral electronic bus
JPH0832770A (ja) * 1994-07-18 1996-02-02 Sharp Corp 読み取り機能付き印字装置
DE29503136U1 (de) * 1995-02-24 1995-04-06 Bormann, Hans-Joachim, 86356 Neusäß Drucker für einen tragbaren Personalcomputer

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE20000523U1 (de) 2000-01-13 2000-04-20 roda computer GmbH, 77839 Lichtenau Transportable Computer-Drucker-Einheit
EP1254772A1 (fr) * 2001-04-26 2002-11-06 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Appareil d'enregistrement à jet d'encre et procédé de commande d'un appareil d'enregistrement
US6749278B2 (en) 2001-04-26 2004-06-15 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Ink jet recording apparatus and control method for recording apparatus
GB2384585A (en) * 2001-10-09 2003-07-30 Hewlett Packard Co A Digital Clipboard for Data Entry
GB2384585B (en) * 2001-10-09 2005-08-17 Hewlett Packard Co Digital Clipboard
DE10160076C1 (de) * 2001-12-07 2003-06-18 Eberhard Wahl Druckende Rechnererweiterungseinheit und druckende Kombination/Anordnung von Rechner und einer Erweiterungseinheit

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NO963454D0 (no) 1996-08-19
AU4034897A (en) 1998-03-06
NO301675B1 (no) 1997-11-24
WO1998008157A3 (fr) 1998-04-02
NO963454A (no) 1997-11-24

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