Abstract:
A typewriting system that includes a scanning component for scanning a document that is inserted into the typewriting system; a computing component for translating information relating to the scanned document to a displayable format; a display for displaying at least the translated information relating to the scanned document; an input device that allows a user to enter and or edit information relating to the scanned document; and a printing component for printing at least be interred or edited information onto the document that is inserted into the typewriting system. In various exemplary embodiments, the scanning component, the printing component, a computing component, the display, and the input device are contained within a single housing.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/371,067, filed Mar. 9, 2006, now abandoned which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/660,234, filed Mar. 11, 2005, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention is directed generally to a typewriter system. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a typewriter system that provides a user with the ability to scan, view, print, edit, and store documents. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Office documents such as forms and letters are generally mechanically or electronically produced using typewriters, word processors, computers, and printers. However in order to complete preprinted documents digitally in the home and office environments the use of additional equipment outside of the personal computer is needed such as a typewriter or word processor to type information into pre-printed documents or forms. However with the invention of the scanner, printer and editing software many preprinted documents can be scanned and then edited and then printed to create various document. The problem with this process is that it is time consuming because each process is done separately so there remains a need for a convenient method to scan, edit, and print on a preprinted document or forms simultaneously. In addition, many typewriters used a separate ribbon segment that removes ink impressions from paper, permitting the user to erase text, other typewriters permit rudimentary editing of text before printing, through the use of a small liquid crystal display window. This is cumbersome and time consuming when compared to computer or word processor editing. Furthermore, mechanical typewriters are limited in the choices of characters that may be produced. 
     Scanners have been used to convert pictures from existing document or text and/or images into a digital format. Typewriters provide immediate production of a hard copy and allow for exact placement of text in forms and documents and can be edited by a corrective device. Computers allow for storing and retrieval of document that are saved to a hard drive before or after printing. However there is not a device that specifically addresses the need to combine the functions of a scanner, a printer and computer in order to provide typing that renders simultaneous print on a scanned paper document as key are stuck on the keyboard with immediate editing after rendering of printed material as shown on a display within the relative confines of a personal computer. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The prior systems and methods require that a user use multiple pieces of hardware to achieve a desired result and not provide for a high level of real time editing of documents, such as preprinted forms. 
     Accordingly, the present invention is directed generally to a typewriter system. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a typewriter system that provides a user with the ability to scan, view, print, edit, and store documents. Using the systems and methods of the present invention, as keys are struck on the keyboard, documents, such as preprinted forms, can be edited and an immediate hard copy of the document can be produced in an easy, simple, time efficient method, within a device that is similar to a personal computer. 
     In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, the typewriting system provides functions common to that of a scanner, a printer, a keyboard, a display, and a personal computer. Using this device, the user is able to simultaneously print text and/or images on a scanned paper document, shown text and/or images on a display, and send the text and/or images to a hard drive. 
     The user may also choose to compose and entire document before printing, edit a document immediately after printed text is rendered, and store and retrieve a document after printing, as desired. The present invention is compact enough to replace a standard computer keyboard and does not require additional devices to provide a user with these functions. 
     In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of the typewriting system, the system is used apart from a keyboard but it is small enough to stay within the confines of the personal computer. 
     In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the typewriting system is housed within a laptop computer and provides simultaneous printing of typed text on a scanned paper document, which can be edited immediately after rendering of printed material visible to user and sent to the hard drive for storing and retrieval to avoid remote and secondary machinery outside the laptop computer. 
     Accordingly, this invention provides a typewriter system that allows a user to efficiently scan, view, print, edit, and store documents. 
     This invention separately provides an improved method of combining the functions of a scanner, a printer, a keyboard, a display, and a computer as a means for rendering printed material instantly within the confines of a single system. 
     This invention separately provides for simultaneous printing on a scanned paper document and creation of digital representation of printed material in digital format that is visible to user on a display as keys are struck on the keyboard. 
     This invention separately provides for optional sending of data to a hard drive or other storage device for storing and retrieval. 
     This invention separately provides users with a typewriting system as a stand alone machine that works in conjunction with an existing computer system to provide simultaneous printing that combines a scanning component, a printing component that renders hard copies that can be edited immediately after print, sent to a hard drive for storing and retrieval. 
     This invention separately provides a convenient method of rendering a hard copy of printed material as keys are struck from the relative position of the keyboard on a scanned document while simultaneously shown in digital representation on a display and can be saved to a computer hard drive for storing and retrieval. 
     This invention separately provides a typewriting system of compact design that saves space. 
     This invention separately provides a corrective means of editing printed text on a scanned paper document immediately after rendering on a hard copy document. 
     This invention separately provides a modern typewriting system that is convenient, effective, and simple to use within the relative confines of the personal computer system to render instant hard copy documents. 
     These and other features and advantages of this invention are described in or are apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a typewriting system according to this invention, wherein the scanning component is generally located under the keyboard, the printing component, visible through a window, is generally located at a top of the keyboard, and the display is not formed integral to the keyboard; 
         FIG. 2  shows a top section view of a first exemplary embodiment of a typewriting system according to this invention, wherein the scanning component is generally located under the keyboard, the printing component, visible through a window, is generally located at a top of the keyboard, and the display is not formed integral to the keyboard; 
         FIG. 3  shows a cross-sectional view taken a long line A-A of  FIG. 2 , showing a first exemplary embodiment of a typewriting system according to this invention, wherein the scanning component is generally located under the keyboard, the printing component, visible through a window, is generally located at a top of the keyboard, and the display is not formed integral to the keyboard; 
         FIG. 4A  shows a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a typewriting system according to this invention, wherein the keyboard is removed from the scanning and printing component; 
         FIG. 4B  shows section view of a first exemplary embodiment of a typewriting system according to this invention, wherein the keyboard is removed from the scanning and printing component; 
         FIG. 5A  shows a perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of a typewriting system according to this invention, wherein the scanning component is generally located under the keyboard, the printing component, visible through a window, is generally located at a top of the keyboard, and the display is formed integral to the keyboard; 
         FIG. 5B  shows a side view of the second exemplary embodiment of a typewriting system according to this invention, wherein the scanning component is generally located under the keyboard, the printing component, visible through a window, is generally located at a top of the keyboard, and the display is formed integral to the keyboard; 
         FIG. 6  shows a block diagram outlining the components of the typewriting system of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 7  shows an exemplary software diagram illustrating an exemplary graphic user interface, according to this invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     For simplicity and clarification, the design factors and operating principles of the typewriting system according to this invention are explained with reference to various exemplary embodiments of a typewriting system according to this invention. The basic explanation of the design factors and operating principles of the typewriting system is applicable for the understanding, design, and operation of the typewriting system of this invention. 
     It should also be appreciated that the terms “typewriter” and “typewriting” are used for basic explanation and understanding of the operation of the systems, methods, and apparatuses of this invention. Therefore, the terms “typewriter” and “typewriting” are not to be construed as limiting the systems, methods, apparatuses, or applications of this invention. 
     As illustrated in the drawing Figs, the typewriting system  100  comprises at least some of a scanning component  110 , a printing component  120 , a computing component  130 , a display  140 , and an input device such as a keyboard  150 . 
     The scanning component  110  comprises components typically used in a flatbed or other scanner. In operation, the scanning component  110  utilizes a light source to illuminate the image on an inserted document  190 . A motor moves a scan head across the illuminated document  190  such that the scan head captures light that is reflected from individual areas of the document  190 . The captured light is focused, via one or more lenses and/or mirrors, onto light sensitive diodes that translate the amount of light into an electrical current. An analog to digital (A-to-D) converter stores each analog reading of voltage as a digital pixel representing either a black, white, or gray area. If the scanning component  110  comprises a color scanner, a scanned head may make multiple passes (typically three) of the document and the reflected light from each pass may be directed through a red, green, or blue filter before it strikes the original image. 
     Once the digital pixel information is acquired, it is sent to the computing component  134  is translated into an appropriate graphic to be displayed on the display  140 . 
     It should be appreciated that the components of the scanning component  110  may comprise components of any known or later developed scanning means. 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the printing component  120  comprises an inkjet or laser printer. The components and operation of such printers are generally known to those of ordinary skill in the art. A printing component  120  that is integrated into the typewriting system  100  is customary in prior art of printers and various mechanical and electronic typewriters such as a print cartridge, ink-jet, thermal, dot-matrix impact printers or any other printers occupying a small space that is used to place the text on the document  190 . 
     The computing component  130  comprises at least some of a hard drive  132 , a processing unit  134 , an integrated video chip  136 , and a memory  138 . 
     The display  140  comprises a monitor or other display device is capable will provide instant feedback to the user by displaying text and/or graphic images. It should be appreciated that the display  140  may comprise a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT), or any other known or later developed display device. 
     The input device comprises an element or device for entering information or otherwise manipulating the text and/or graphics displayed on the display  140 . In various exemplary embodiments, the input device may comprise one or more of a keyboard, such as, for example, keyboard  150  or a mouse. 
     During operation, the components of the typewriting system  100  allow a user to insert a document  190  into the typewriting system  100 . Once a document  190  is placed in the input slot  115  it is adjusted, aligned, and placed in position to be scanned. This system allows an automatic margin sensors  102  used in conjunction with paper feed mechanism  103  to automatically detect the size of the document  190  when document  190  is inserted into the input slot  115 . 
     A paper path  112  allows for placement of paper in proximity of the scanning component  110  and printing component  120 . As document  190  moves through said typewriting system  100  by the paper feed mechanism  103 , the entire document  190  is scanned by the scanning component  110 . Once the document  190  is scanned, scanner software  104  sends images and/or text to a microprocessor  105 . 
     The microprocessor  105  formats the collected images and/or text into pixels that converts images and/or text to an integrated video chip  136  for display on display  140  while simultaneously sending data through the processing unit  134  to the hard drive  132  and to memory  138  for storing and retrieval. 
     Once document  190  is scanned by the scanning component  110  and then placed in a convenient position, the scanned image is simultaneously displayed on the display  140  and saved to a storage device, such as, for example, a hard drive  132 . 
     As the document  190  is displayed, the displayed text or images can be edited using the computing component  130  and the keyboard  150 . 
     The printing component  120 , visible through window  109 , is then capable of either printing edits onto the original document  190  or printing a new, edited or an edited, version of the document  190 . 
     The typewriting system  100  as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 , is similar to the layout of a common computer keyboard  150  connected to a microprocessor  105  and controller circuitry. Located underneath the keyboard  150  of the typewriting system  100  is a key matrix  107  that is monitored by a microprocessor  105 . As keys are struck, the microprocessor  105  analyzes the key matrix  107  and interprets what text is to be sent to the print device  120 , visible through window  109 , the display  140 , the computing component  130 , and the hard drive  132 . 
     A keyboard  150  connector cable  118 , sends data to a computer port, facilitating immediate response time between when the keys are struck and when the text appear on the display  140  and placed on document  190  and sent to computer hard drive  132 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , in various exemplary embodiments, the typewriter system  100  comprises a scanning component  110 , a printing component  120 , visible through window  109 , a computing component  130 , a display  140 , and a keyboard  150 . As illustrated, the display  140  and the keyboard  150  are detached from the scanning component  110 . 
     Additionally a further rendering of the proposed invention is a typewriting system  100  that integrates a scanning component  110 , a printing component  120 , visible through window  109 , a computing component  130 , a display  140 , and a keyboard  150  into a Laptop as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B . 
     Although being three different rendering of the same typewriting system as shown in  FIGS. 1-5B  these machines individually performs functions according to  FIG. 6  facilitated by software as shown  FIG. 7  to provide simultaneous printing on scanned paper document  190  and shown on display  140  and can be edited immediately after printed material is rendered on scanned paper document  190  and sent to hard drive  132  for storage and retrieval. 
     The typewriting system  100  includes on/off button  101 , input slot  115 , components to move document  190  that are common with prior powered paper-feed rollers and paper feed mechanism  103  to eject document  190  onto output slot  117  once the printing function is completed. 
     Software Diagram  FIG. 7  shows one exemplary embodiment of a Graphic User Interface that can be utilized with the typewriting system  100 . Menu Bar Object (MBO  1 ) when selected executes the Open Menu_click event handler. A message is sent to microprocessor  105  and the Open Dialog Box is displayed for the user to open text document. Menu Bar Object (MBO  2 ) when selected executes the Save Menu_click event handler. A message is sent to the processing unit  134  and the Save Dialog Box is displayed for the user to save the document. Computer Hard Drive allocates Space for document in specified fold. Document is then written to the Hard Drive. 
     Menu Bar Object (MBO  4 ) when selected executes the Scan_click event handler. A message is sent to processing unit  134  and the Scan Document Form is displayed for the user to set Scan options. Parameters are passed to scanner software  104  which sends the request to microprocessor  105 . Scanner software  104  handles the scanning process. Menu Bar Object (MBO  4 ) when selected executes the Print All_click event handler. A message is sent to processing unit  134  and the Print Dialog Box is displayed for the user to set print options. Parameters are passed to processing unit  134  which sends the request to microprocessor  105  and print software  106  handles the print process. Menu Bar Object (MBO  5 ) when selected executes the Exit Menu_click event handler. A message is sent to the processing unit  134  and application shuts down. 
     During operation of the typewriting system  100 , the user manipulates the on/off button  101  to the on position and places document  190  in the input paper slot  115  at the beginning of the paper path  112 . A powered paper feed mechanism  103  with rollers, gears and margin sensors  102  moves the paper along the paper path  112  past the scanning component  110 . 
     The scanner software  104  digitizes the document to allow text and/or images on the document  190  to be formatted through a microprocessor  105 , recorded on hard drive  132 , and displayed by means of the integrated video chip  136  on the computer display  140 . 
     Once document  190  is scanned through the typewriting system  100  and placed in a convenient position to print device  120 , visible through window  109 , once typing functions ensue and printing functions engage the paper document  190  can be edited immediately thereafter facilitated by print software  106  if desired as is performed with standard word processors or typewriters. 
     The primary benefit of the typewriting system  100  is realized as the user types as one would with a standard typewriter in the relative position to the keyboard  150 , thus printing visible images and/or text directly onto the document  190 . In this instance, text is printed at the same moment when keys on the keyboard  150  are struck, a digital representation  104  is placed on the display  140  and sent to the computer hard drive  132  allowing the user to produce an immediate hard copy document  190  while instantly producing a digital copy in the memory  138  for data storage and retrieval. An output slot  117  facilitates the ejection of the completed paper document  190  onto an output tray  139 . 
     While this invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed exemplary embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology of terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Accordingly, the foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes, modifications, and/or adaptations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.