Abstract:
A removable and re-attachable keyboard device for interfacing with an imaging device in a position adjacent to a display on the imaging device is presented. The keyboard device docks or otherwise couples the imaging device as opposed to residing on the table or base upon which the imaging device resides. The keyboard device includes a keyboard base which is generally planar with one end thereof being a keyboard base interface for facilitating at least mechanical coupling of the keyboard device with the imaging device and a keyboard. The keyboard base supports and maintains the keyboard in an ergonomic and more user-friendly attitude in relationship to a display of the imaging device. Messaging services are also available for dispatching directly from the imaging device as a result of data input to the keyboard device.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of imaging devices and, more specifically, to the field of data entry into such imaging devices. 
     2. State of the Art 
     Imaging devices, such as printers, copiers, scanners, facsimile machines, and the like, have generally and frequently been thought of as output devices which are typically controlled by an attached computer or other control device. For example, a printer is generally coupled to a computer which serves as the user interface device for the printer system. Likewise, copiers have generally lacked a sophisticated user interface and even more so, a sophisticated data input mechanism. As such, any sophisticated form of interface with these devices was generally retained at a remote location such as at an attached or networked controlling system, such as a computer. 
     As imaging devices became more complex, imaging devices assimilated simplified user interfaces at the device itself. Such interfaces took the form of displays that issued error codes or status and further included buttons for performing elementary control, such as reset, operations. Additionally, some imaging devices such as copiers and facsimile devices integrated numeric keypads allowing the user to input a print quantity, dialing sequence or other numeric value. As imaging devices have become more sophisticated, there is an increased need to provide a more efficient user-friendly and user-accustomed interface at the device itself. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates the coupling of an imaging device, such as a printer, copier, facsimile machine, scanner device, and the like, which is used for the processing, namely, printing, copying, scanning, or other print application or printed material analysis, of a target media to a keyboard. Those familiar with imaging devices  10  appreciate that such devices have become increasingly complex and sophisticated and therefore require not only extensive configuration, but may also require some forms of data input. For limited amounts of data entry, a control panel such as a keypad  12  may be sufficient. However, for any significant amount of user input data, a more ergonomic or user-friendly interface and entry mechanism is desirable.  FIG. 1  illustrates a prior art configuration coupling a keyboard  14  to an imaging device  10  by utilizing the freestanding capabilities of keyboard  14 . Because of the lack of spatial relationship between keyboard  14  and any display mechanism associated with imaging device  10 , such data entry technique is limited in both efficient data input as well as ergonomic desirability. Therefore, there exists a need to provide a more usable data-entry configuration for use directly at an imaging device that facilitates both an efficient and user-accustomed input device as well as an ergonomic and usably efficient association with an imaging device display. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A removable and re-attachable keyboard device for interfacing with an imaging device in a position adjacent to a display on the imaging device is presented. The keyboard device docks or otherwise couples to the imaging device as opposed to residing on the table or base upon which the imaging device resides. The keyboard device includes a keyboard base which is generally planar with one end thereof having a keyboard base interface for facilitating coupling of the keyboard device with the imaging device. In one embodiment, the keyboard base also provides intermediary electronic coupling to the imaging device. The keyboard base when coupled to the imaging device extends therefrom in a generally cantilevered manner to provide an ergonomic a base or platform for a data entry device such as a keyboard. 
     The keyboard device also includes a keyboard that is substantially supported by the keyboard base. The keyboard, in one embodiment, is placed in adjacent contact with the keyboard base with the cantilevered end extending sufficiently from the imaging device so as to allow an ergonomic utilization of the keyboard by a user without encumbrances from the imaging device. The keyboard provides an extended data entry device for allowing an enhanced and efficient interface with the imaging device because of the collocation of the keyboard and the imaging device as well as the availability of an extended keyboard that more closely parallels the data input devices of other computing environments. In another embodiment, the keyboard is integrated with the keyboard base to form a unitary or integral keyboard device. 
     The keyboard device may couple to the imaging device through mechanical channels or means in the imaging device that may be utilized for attachment of other accessories. Access to these mechanical channels, in one embodiment, is accomplished through an access panel on a media tray of the imaging device. More specifically, a multipurpose media tray may include an access panel that, when opened, reveals a single sheet media feeder and/or envelope feeder. This region of the imaging device frequently includes mechanical and/or electrical ports or docking arrangements for other accessories. In one embodiment, the mechanical and electrical channeling utilized by an accessory such as a power envelope feeder is utilized as the electromechanical coupling structures for hosting the keyboard device of the present invention. 
     The keyboard device when coupled to the imaging device may also be further coupled to a network and engage in networking functionality such as digital sending and the like. Digital sending allows emails or other messaging services to be initiated at the imaging device without requiring intervention by another network entity. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates the coupling of a keyboard to an imaging device, in accordance with the prior art; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an imaging device with an integrated keyboard; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an access panel associated with a multipurpose media tray of an imaging device for use in an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an imaging-device with an embodiment of the present invention interfaced thereto; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of an imaging device having the keyboard device interfaced thereto, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a keyboard device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a keyboard device, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a keyboard device, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an imaging device wherein the keyboard device of the present invention may find application.  FIG. 2  illustrates an imaging device  16  which integrates a keyboard-like arrangement of buttons, depicted generally as integrated keypad  18 . It should be appreciated that while such an array of input buttons may provide a desirable spectrum of alpha-numeric button choices, the placement, usability, and ergonomics associated with the button functionality as well as the attitude of the keyboard in relationship to the display and to a typical user are both uncomfortable and inefficient for data entry. Moreover, the vast majority of imaging devices provide a very limited data entry capability. 
     Furthermore, the integration of a data entry mechanism results in design constraints which may require the reservation of certain facets of imaging device  16  for utilization by a data input mechanism. Such design requirements may result in a configuration of an imaging device which may not provide an ergonomic data entry interface. By way of example and not limitation, an exemplary media device with which the present invention may find application may be one having similar features and functionality as a LaserJet® 4100 mfp manufactured by Hewlett Packard of Boise, Id. 
     While coupling of the present invention to an imaging device may occur at any facet of the imaging device, the present example contemplates interfacing through a media tray interface. Such an exemplary illustration is not to be considered limiting but merely illustrative. As depicted generally in  FIG. 2 , an imaging device may take the form of a printer, copier, photograph printer, facsimile machine, scanner, or the like wherein an image is either to be impressed upon media or media with an image already pressed thereupon is to be processed, such as scanned or otherwise imaged. 
     An imaging device provides a mechanical means for accessories or external devices to couple or otherwise dock to the imaging device. An exemplary coupling or docking port is provided for through a media tray. An imaging device may include at least one media tray for the storage of media to be processed. One such tray is illustrated in  FIG. 2  as tray  20 , depicted in a closed position. Those of skill in the art appreciate that such trays may assume various configurations including a configuration wherein one facet of the media tray may include an access panel, illustrated in  FIG. 3  as access panel  22 . 
     It should be appreciated that upon the opening of access panel  22 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , other media feeding options are presented to a user, including single-sheet feeding, envelope feeding, and the coupling or insertion of dedicated media feeding devices or accessories such as an externally coupleable envelope feeder. In one embodiment of the present invention, the keyboard device of the present invention is coupled through an accessory interface made available for the coupling of an accessory when access panel  22  is in an open position. The opening of access panel  22  further makes available multipurpose electrical interface coupler  24  as well as mechanical coupling structures  26  illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an imaging device incorporating a keyboard device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 4 , an imaging system  30  is comprised of an imaging device  32  and a keyboard device  34  coupled thereto. In  FIG. 4 , a multipurpose media tray  20  is illustrated with access panel  22  being illustrated in an open position with media  36  being fed therethrough into imaging device  32 . 
     In order to enhance the data input capabilities of imaging device  32 , a keyboard device  34  is coupled both mechanically and electrically into the available mechanical coupling structures  26  ( FIG. 3 ) as well as to the electrical interface coupler  24  ( FIG. 3 ) of imaging device  32 . It should be appreciated that in the present embodiment, keyboard device  34  is located in an ergonomically desirable relationship with the control panel display  38  of imaging device  32 . Those of skill in the art appreciate the removable and attachable nature of such a configuration of keyboard device  34 . 
     By way of introduction and as further described in detail below, keyboard device  34  is comprised of a keyboard base  40  for physically attaching, both mechanically and alternatively electrically, to imaging device  32 . Keyboard base  40  orients to imaging device  32  in a generally cantilevered orientation, preferably at an ergonomic attitude in relationship to a user orientation, and also at a location in usable proximity to control panel display  38 . 
     Keyboard device  34  further includes a keyboard  42  which is in physical contact with a cantilevered portion of keyboard base  40 . Keyboard  42  may assume various embodiments including a conventional external computer keyboard as well as a customized and even a reduced-sized keyboard. Additional specific embodiments and integrations are illustrated in  FIGS. 6–8 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional diagram of an imaging system  30  comprised of an imaging device  32  and a keyboard device  34 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As described previously, imaging device  32  may be comprised from a myriad of various processing devices including printers, copiers, facsimile machines, scanners, photoprinters, and the like which are generally configured to process media in either a print application process or a print analysis process. Such devices are generally responsive to the input of data from a remote location or the analysis of data resident on the media. As such, imaging device  32  is generally comprised of a simplified user interface depicted in  FIG. 5  as control panel  44 . Generally speaking, control panel  44  is comprised of a control pad or keypad  46  and a display  48 . 
     Imaging device  32  is further comprised of a multipurpose media tray  20  which, in the present embodiment, accommodates the keyboard device of the present invention through the opening of access panel  22  which reveals a multipurpose tray feeder  50  which enables the continued operation through the insertion or analysis of media  36  when configured with the keyboard device of the present invention. As described previously, when access panel  22  of the present embodiment is opened, mechanical and electrical couplers or profiles are revealed for facilitating the insertion or docking of a keyboard device  34 . In one embodiment, this mechanical and electrical coupling is generically illustrated as keyboard device electromechanical coupler  54 , which couples to and interfaces with a multipurpose electrical interface coupler  24  ( FIG. 3 ) and mechanical coupling structures  26  ( FIG. 3 ). 
     Keyboard device  34 , as described, is comprised of keyboard  42  and keyboard base  40 , both of which together facilitate data input into imaging device  32  by way of electromechanical coupler  54  and a multipurpose electrical interface  56  which, in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, is facilitated and controlled by an imaging host  58 . Imaging system  30  may be further coupled into an imaging network  60  comprised of a network  62  and other peripheral interfaces such as computer  64 . Network  62  includes a plurality of access points  74  for coupling various peripherals such as imaging system  30  and computer  64 . Imaging system  30  is further capable of generating email and otherwise routing processed media throughout network  62  by way of commands entered through keyboard device  34 . Imaging system  30  may further include “digital sending,” appreciated by those of skill in the art as providing the ability to generate and route email messages with attachments including attachments of images or other data processed by imaging device  32 . 
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a keyboard device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, keyboard device  34 ′ is comprised of a keyboard  42 ′ which is physically adjacent to or otherwise attached to a keyboard base  40 ′. Keyboard base  40 ′ is comprised of a generally planar support structure adequately resilient for supporting keyboard  42 ′ in an operational attitude and preferably in an ergonomic arrangement enabling a user to input data into an imaging device when keyboard device  34 ′ is coupled or docked thereto. Keyboard base  40 ′ includes an interface illustrated generally as keyboard device electromechanical coupler  54 ′. Coupler  54 ′, in the present embodiment, is comprised of an electrical interface  66  for facilitating electrical and operable communication with multipurpose electrical interface  56  ( FIG. 5 ). 
     It is contemplated that multipurpose electrical interface  56  and the keyboard electrical signals  68  may be directly incompatible due to specific design guidelines. Keyboard  42 ′ may take the form of a typical computer keyboard which is supported and otherwise attached to keyboard base  40 ′. In such an embodiment, keyboard electrical signals  68  may necessitate the use of signal conditioning  70 . Therefore, one embodiment contemplates signal conditioning  70  for translating keyboard electrical signals  68  into signals compatible for interfacing with the imaging device, namely to provide compatibility with multipurpose electrical interface  56  ( FIG. 5 ). Keyboard device electromechanical coupler  54 ′ is further comprised of a mechanical interface  72  which provides corresponding and compatible mechanical coupling with the mechanical coupling structures  26  of  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a keyboard device for coupling with an imaging device, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 7 , a keyboard device  34 ″ is comprised of a keyboard  42 ″ and a keyboard base  40 ″ which are integrally formed into a unitary assembly. In  FIG. 7 , the unitary nature of keyboard device  34 ″ allows for the creation of compatible keyboard device signals to be presented to multipurpose electrical interface  56  ( FIG. 5 ). However, as an alternative, the present embodiment further contemplates the possibility of direct incompatibility and the need for signal conditioning by way of signal conditioning  70 ′ in order to facilitate compatible interaction. 
       FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of a keyboard device, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, keyboard device  34 ″′ is comprised of a keyboard  42 ″′ and a passive keyboard base  40 ″′ which generally provides for mechanical support and coupling with the imaging device. In the present embodiment, it is contemplated that keyboard  42 ″′ provides its own electrical interface  66 ′ for electrical communication with multipurpose electrical interface coupler  24  ( FIG. 3 ). Those of skill in the art appreciate that such an electrical coupling by keyboard  42 ″′ allows keyboard base  40 ″′ to include few if any electrical components. Electrical compatibility between keyboard  42 ″′ and multipurpose electrical interface  56  ( FIG. 5 ) may be accomplished by designing one of the interfaces, electrical interface  66 ′ or multipurpose electrical interface  56  of imaging device  32 , to comply with the signaling protocol of the other. 
     An attachably removable keyboard device for interfacing with an imaging device for use in entering data into an imaging device has been presented. The keyboard finds applications to data entry into devices where the input mechanism is unsophisticated or otherwise not conducive to comfortable data entry. The keyboard find application in relationship to printers, copiers, and facsimile and scanning devices. Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Rather, the invention is limited only by the appended claims, which include within their scope all equivalent devices or methods which operate according to the principles of the invention as described.