Patent ID: 6487611
Filing Date: 2002-11-26
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A system for utilizing a host in controlling a peripheral task, comprising:a host having a processor, a memory and a communication interface; a multifunction peripheral unit having at least a scanner and a printer; and a communication link coupling the host and the peripheral to permit data to flow therebetween, such that data scanned by the scanner is stored in the host memory and the functionality of the peripheral scanner and the printer is controlled by the host processor in response to user input at the peripheral unit; the peripheral including a user Interface having a plurality of function input keys each operable to enable preset peripheral functions including a scan function and a printer function; actuation of a function input key at the peripheral being operable to cause the peripheral to output an alert signal to the processor, the processor being configured to query the peripheral for parameters related to the enabled peripheral function upon receipt of the alert signal, and wherein actuation of a function input key when the host in a reduced power mode is effective to cause the processor to switch the host to a power-on mode.