Patent ID: 6452695
Filing Date: 2002-09-17
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
An adapter device for enabling a printer to operate as a copier for image data received from an image input device, the adapter device being selectively coupled to a host, the adapter device comprising:(a) an input/output controller for controlling the exchange of information with the image input device and with the printer; and (b) a means for downloading from the host computer input device driver software for the image input device and printer driver software for the printer; and (c) a memory for storing the input device driver software and the printer driver software, and for buffering image data output by the image input device; and (d) a processor coupled to the memory and to the input/output controller, the processor being responsive to commands to initiate operation of the image input device under control of the input device driver software, and to process image data from the image input device under control of the printer driver software to generate printer data suitable for printing by the printer without using processing resources of a host computer.