Patent Publication Number: US-2011075190-A1

Title: Method and system for establishing printer communication

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to wireless communication systems and in particular, to a method for establishing an ad hoc network between one or more imaging devices and a communication device. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Various communication systems and devices exist that permit the formation of a network of wireless communication devices. Cellular telephones, two-way pagers, and wireless personal digital assistants can be used to permit communications between members of a group. However, using such existing devices, it is often very difficult to establish, maintain, use and terminate an ad-hoc network. 
     For example, the user of a cellular telephone can create an ad hoc network by obtaining phone numbers for other cellular telephones and arranging for a three-way or conference call. However, such a network cannot be established rapidly. Further such a network requires that the permanent identification numbers that are associated with each phone be shared with others. This permits anyone who has access to the identification number to attempt to call the holder of the phone. Thus, many users of cellular telephones are reluctant to share their telephone numbers with others with whom they may have only an ad hoc need to communicate. 
     It is also known to provide video cameras and monitors that communicate in a wireless fashion using multiple channels and code encryption to reduce the possibility of signal confusion and unauthorized monitoring of the channel. For example, in JP10145637 what is shown is a video camera and monitor that are adapted to exchange video in a wireless fashion. Before installation of the camera, the camera and monitor are joined by a wire connector and identification codes are exchanged. The use of the wire connection to exchange codes eliminates the risk of interception of the codes that is associated with exchanging the codes wirelessly. This exchange of identification codes however, can be tedious to execute where multiple devices must be registered for mutual communication. 
     Alternatively, other types of communication devices such as the Talkabout (R) system sold by Motorola Corporation Schaumburg, Ill. provide simple access to one or more open communication channels. Any number of members can form a network on such a channel. Communications are encoded using one of a plurality of predefined codes. Each user in a network selects the same channel/code combination. Access to communications is restricted because each device has multiple communication channels with multiple codes that can be used. This makes it unlikely that a surreptitious listener will obtain the proper channel and code combination to listen to a particular communication. This method too can be inconvenient to execute because each member of the group must manually adjust for channel and code. 
     Other known wireless specifications and formats such as for example, the Bluetooth standard that is based upon Institute of Electrical and 
     Electronics Engineers standard 802.11b permit the formation of ad hoc networks. Bluetooth requires that a low-cost digital radio frequency transceiver chip be included in each communication device to be used in a network. Each device has , a unique 48-bit address. Using the unique 48-bit address, connections between communication devices can be quickly made. Such connections can be in a point-to-point or multi-point fashion. Bluetooth provides secure communications using a scheme of public and private encryption keys. Bluetooth devices have a communication range of about 10 meters. Each Bluetooth device uses an inquiry procedure to discover which other Bluetooth enabled communication devices are in range and to determine the addresses for the devices. The inquiry procedure involves a unit sending out inquiry packets. If another unit that is in range is in an appropriate state to receive the inquiry packets, the other unit will enter an inquiry response state and send an inquiry reply to the source. After the inquiry procedure has completed, a connection can be established using a paging procedure. It will be appreciated that using such a system requires a continual cycle of inquiries and responses. Such a system creates difficulties in that it allows for unwanted connections to be formed. These unwanted connections must be filtered out or otherwise sorted. It can be difficult for a novice user to separate desirable connections from undesirable connections. 
     Thus, what is needed is an apparatus and a method for establishing an ad hoc secure connection in a rapid and effective fashion. There is a further need for an apparatus and method that permits a user to privately communicate between a communication device and an imaging device in a simple and easy to understand manner. Additionally for legacy imaging devices that are not wirelessly enabled there remains a need to provide a means to wirelessly transmit standard file types in a secure fashion to these devices. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A imaging device is provided having a transceiver adapted to send and receive wireless communication signals and an imaging device having a contact surface, such as a printer. A controller is adapted to enable communication with the imaging devices. Each device has a transceiver adapted to send and receive information using radio frequency signals said transceiver having an address. It is an object of the present invention is to provide a communication means combination that prevents the interception and unauthorized use of wirelessly transmitted standard file types. 
     In a further aspect what is provided is a method for forming a wireless communication with at least one imaging device that does not have a built-in wireless communication means and contact surface. In accordance with the method, the imaging device is provided with an adapter including a contact surface and wireless communication means to convert an imaging device to enable it to receive wirelessly transmitted standard file types. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a communication and an imaging device in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows a block diagram of a method in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  shows an adapter that enables a touch surface feature, an usb converter plugged into a usb port of a imaging device. 
         FIG. 4  shows an imaging device with an usb converter connected and a communication device. 
         FIG. 5  shows an adaptor in accordance in with the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  shows a printer timer in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Turning now to  FIG. 1 , a block diagram of a simple embodiment of a imaging device system  10  is shown including a transceiver  12  adapted to send and receive wireless memory storage signals, a contact surface  14 , a contact circuit  16  adapted to detect contact of a imaging device with said contact surface, and a sensor  18 , which is in communication with the transceiver and the contact circuit, to receive a confirmation signal in response to contact with the imaging device indicating a compatible imaging device that will communicate with the imaging device. Details of the communication circuits are contained in a patent assigned to the applicant, entitled: “Method and System for establishing a Communication network”, U.S. Pat. No. 7,027,836 which is hereby incorporated by reference and discussed below in some detail. 
     In this embodiment, a plurality of like communication devices  20   a - 20   n  are provided that may communicate with the imaging device, shown here as a printer system  10 . Each of the communication devices  20   a - 20   n  has a radio transceiver  22  and antenna  24 . Radio transceiver  22  is adapted to transmit and receive radio frequency signals carrying digital data containing text, audio and video communications. In one useful embodiment, radio transceiver  22  is adapted to communicate using the high rate consumer wireless communication standard defined in Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers standard IEEE 802.15.3. In other embodiment the radio transceiver  22 , can be adapted to communicate using the standards set forth in Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers standard IEEE 802.11b. Alternatively, radio transceiver  22  can employ any useful radio frequency communication scheme to send and receive data. Radio transceiver  22  can be adapted to transmit communication signals directly to others of communication devices  20   a - 20   n.  Alternatively, radio transceiver  22  can transmit signals to other imaging device devices by way of a separate intermediary communication site such as, for example, a cellular tower, satellite, wireless repeater, to the imaging device devices. For example, when the imaging device is wireless and includes a controller adapted to enable selective communication or even when the imaging device of claim  1  is not wireless and has an adaptor. 
     The radio transceiver  12  is similarly adapted to receive digital radio frequency signals from other devices. The digital radio frequency data is converted into digital data. The digital data is transferred to a controller  26  and converted into digital data. 
     Each one of communication devices  20   a - 20   n  can also have a controller. Controller  26  can comprise, for example, a general-purpose programmable microprocessor such as a Pentium microprocessor sold by Intel Corp. of San Jose, Calif., a microcontroller, or other similar control device adapted to control the operation of the imaging device  10  in which it is installed. In the embodiment shown, controller  26  is adapted to prepare data representing the content of communications to convey the data to transceiver and to cause the transceiver to transmit data. In addition, controller  26  is adapted to receive signals containing data from radio transceiver  22  and to process this data for use as described herein. Further each controller  26  controls the operation of the imaging device in which it is installed. 
     Wireless imaging devices can include devices such as printers, digital photo frames, and kiosks have become common. Due to the personal nature of consumer photographs and documents there is potential for abuse if these wirelessly transmitted files were intercepted by unauthorized users. Wireless imaging devices today can readily accept and print, display, upload, and/or store standard file types such as jpg, .tif, .pdf, .bmp, .html, .txt, without the requirement of providing drivers to the source imaging device. However, since these are standard file types that can be wirelessly transmitted the chance for interception and abuse by unauthorized users is increased. In addition since many imaging devices today include USB connectors, are not wireless enabled, and do not include contact surfaces to enable communications. The contact between contact surfaces establishes the encryption key between devices and also, to protect the integrity and authenticity of a message; a verification of a message authentication code (MAC) or a digital signature can be also exchanged to insure the security of the transmission. 
     Digital data representing the image device or printer, in this case, can also be provided to transceiver  12 . Transceiver  12  converts the digital data into a digital radio frequency signal which is transmitted, such as with an antenna  27 . 
     The transceiver  12  can also receives digital radio frequency signals from other of communication devices  20   a - 20   n  containing digital video data by way of antenna  24 . The digital radio frequency data is converted into digital data. The digital data is transferred to controller  26  and converted into digital image data. The digital image data is transferred to display driver  40  and converted into images that are viewable on a display  42 . 
     The imaging device can also include an audio system  50  that is adapted to capture and generate audio signals. In the embodiment shown, sound input is entered by way of microphone  52 . Microphone  52  converts acoustical energy from the sound input into an electronic signal. This electronic signal is transmitted to A/D converter  54  that renders digital signals representing the sound. Controller  26  receives the digital signals representing the sound. Controller  26  processes these signals for storage in memory  36  or for use by radio transceiver  22 . 
     In one embodiment radio frequency signals containing audio data are received by a radio transceiver  22 . The radio transceiver  22  extracts digital data from radio frequency signals and provides this digital data to controller  26 . As is described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 7,027,836, controller  26  processes this data if necessary and provides a stream of digital audio data to A/D converter. The A/D converter  54  converts the data into an analog signal that is provided to a speaker  56  which in turn converts the analog signal into acoustical energy. 
     The imaging device  10  also has a user interface  60  that permits a user to encode numbers, text, and other forms of communication into electronic signals that are transmitted to controller  26 . Controller  26  converts these electronic signals into digital data which can then be used to control the operation of the communication device, transmitted using the transceiver  12 , stored in memory  36  and/or displayed on display driver  40  and/or  42 . 
     Both the imaging device  10  and communication devices  20   a - 20   n  can have a contact detection system  70  including the imaging device contact surface  14  and the contact circuit  16 . Each contact circuit  16  registers contact between the contact surface  14  of one of communication devices  20   a - 20   n  and the contact surface  72  of at least one other one of communication devices  20   a - 20   n.  When such contact is registered, the contact circuit  16  transmits a signal to its respective controller  26  indicating that such contact has been made. Each controller  26  then defines at least one mode of operation in which the processor communicates only with the set of communication devices  20   a - 20   n  with which the contact surface  72  has had contact. A user of the imaging device  10  or the communication device  20   a  can select this ad hoc network mode of communication using for example, user interface  60 . User interface  60  comprises any known transducer for converting a user action into a signal that can be transmitted to controller  26 . Examples of such a transducer include a switch, dial, stylus, mouse, joy stick, potentiometer, visible or non-visible light sensor or imager. User interface  60  can also have transducers that convert instructions into signals that can be interpreted by controller  26 . User interface  60  can be combined with display  42  in the form of a touch screen or like device. 
     Contact circuit  16  can detect contact between a contact surface  14  to which it is connected and another contact surface of another device in a variety of ways. For example, where contact surface  14  and the other contact surface are electrically conductive, each contact circuit  16  can cause an electro-magnetic field to form on contact surface  14 . When contact surface  14  is in contact with another contact surface, the electromagnetic fields combine. By monitoring the intensity, waveform, or signal content on each contact surface  14  each contact circuit  46  can detect when contact surface  14  is in contact with another contact surface. Other electro-magnetic methods for detecting contact can be used. For example, contact between two contact surfaces can be detected by noting variations in capacitance, electrostatic charge, and/or inductance at the contact surface. Electro-mechanical structures can also be used to register contact between two contact surfaces, such as vibrational, sonic or ultra sonic signal generators and detectors. Electro-optical detection structures can also be used, for example, when a contact surface  14  of, for example, communication device  20  is brought into contact with the contact surface  14  of the imaging device  10 , the contact surfaces can be mechanically moved, deflected and/or otherwise mechanically changed. In this example, contact circuit  16  determines these changes and causes a particular light to emit. Contact circuit  16  detects light of the type emitted in response to contact and determines that contact has been made with another imaging device. 
     In one embodiment, a network identification signal is used to regulate communication between contacted imaging device devices. In this embodiment, when contact is registered between the contact circuit of the communication device  20  and the imaging device having a contact surface  14  in communication with the controller  26 , the controller  26  of the imaging device determines a network identification signal that is used to designate communications that are intended for exchange between imaging device and other devices, even another imaging device. The network identification signal can comprise any mutually agreed upon signal. Conveniently the user identification signal can comprise or be derived from user identifications such as a user name or user identification image. When the user of another imaging device that, for example, wishes to communicate with the user of imaging device, the user places imaging device in the ad hoc network communication mode. The user of imaging device then captures data, voice, or a video signal, which is processed by controller  26  and converted into a signal that is transmitted to transceiver  12 . This signal includes the network identification signal. The signal received by transceiver  12  of imaging device is then converted into a broadcast signal and transmitted using antenna  27  of imaging device. 
     The imaging device  10  can have a controller  26  that ignores communications that are transmitted without a network identification signal. Alternatively, imaging device can have a controller  26  that is operative in a mode that renders output based on the communications that are transmitted with and without a network identification signal. In the embodiment shown, imaging device has a controller  26  that is selectively operable in both the mode of ignoring communications that are transmitted with a network identification signal and the mode of rendering an output based on communications that are transmitted without a network identification signal. In another embodiment, the network identification signal can also be used as an encryption code to prevent surreptitious interception of communications transmitted using the network identification signal. 
     In another other embodiment, imaging devices are adapted to communicate using a wireless local area network communication scheme such as Bluetooth. As is noted above, using Bluetooth each transceiver  12  has a unique 48-bit address. Connections between individual devices are formed using the 48-bit address. Ad-hoc networks can be formed between sets of individual devices by compiling a list of all addresses and limiting networked communications to the devices on the list. As is also noted above, each Bluetooth enabled device continually scans all of the devices within its communication range to obtain addresses for potential use in future communications. When used at an event such as a baseball game or soccer game, with thousands of fans located in relatively close proximity, this approach could potentially garner hundreds of addresses from other devices that are within range. Sorting through the list of available devices to define an address list becomes particularly difficult under such circumstances. 
     In this embodiment, the set of imaging device to be included in the ad hoc network are identified on the basis of registered contact between the imaging devices. When each of imaging devices registers contact with another imaging device, controller  26  of each imaging device adds the address of the other imaging device to a list of addresses. Ad hoc communications are enabled by limiting distribution of all communication using the ad hoc network to those devices whose 48-bit address is contained within the distribution list. 
       FIG. 2  shows a block diagram of one embodiment of a method for establishing an ad hoc communication network with the imaging device  10  to initiate a driver  100 . In a first step, contact is initiated with the contact of a contact surface in the imaging device  10  and another surface of one or more of another imaging device and/or a communication device  20  (step  110 ). There are various ways that this can be done as described in detail above. If a the communication device  20  is, for example, incorporated into a cellular telephone or in the form of a personal digital assistant, these can be used to contact the surface of the imaging device, such as a printer surface. When contact is detected ( 120 ) then the controller  26  determines if a driver is required ( 130 ) and installs it ( 140 ) if it is needed and then if it is not installed states so ( 145 ). When the installation is complete the print job can be sent ( 150 ) or an error code sent ( 160 ) to the display  42 . Many types of communication devices are capable of operating in a conventional mode of communications associated with the device such as using, for example, normal cellular telephone technology in the case of communication device and a mode for communication using PDA type communications in the case of communication device. These communication devices are also capable of operating in a mode of communication using an ad hoc network. 
     The imaging device can also be personalized. This can be done in various ways. In one embodiment the imaging device provides a welcome message and then provides an instruction message indicating that the personalization process is to be performed. Personalization is performed by capturing an image of the user of imaging device. A sequence of messages is presented to the user to indicate the countdown sequence before the image of the user will be captured. As the countdown begins, a preview image of the user is captured and presented under the sequence of messages so that the user can properly arrange user identification image to be used to represent the user. This image of course does not need to be an image of the user. Instead, the image can be an image of something representative of the user such as a favored article of clothing or favored photographic subject. Alternatively, a user can enter other personalization items such as a name, symbol, or other visible marking to represent the user of the device. In another alternative, a user identification image or symbol can be obtained from an external source or device such as an external camera system, a ring or other type of personal article having a memory capable of providing an identification signal and/or any other form of electronic memory such as a compact flash card or electronic memory. As will be described in greater detail below, the personalization step can also include entering a user profile. 
     This user profile can also be determined in advance of the personalization step and stored in memory. The user profile information can then be extracted from memory. In another embodiment, the personalization step can be omitted. Where this is done, default profile information can be used with each communication providing a unique identifier. In any embodiment, the controller  26  can be adapted to modify the user profile based upon the user&#39;s actual usage of the device to adapt the user profile so that the imaging device matches actual usage patterns. 
     The imaging device system  10  can be used to communicate using any number of forms of communication including but not limited to video still picture, text messaging, audio and/or icon or symbolic messaging. For example, files of recorded data such as recorded video files and text files can also be exchanged. In certain embodiments, gaming instructions, actions and other data can be exchanged. A user can use text messaging to vote or otherwise determine possible joint activities, meeting times and/or other matters requiring mutual agreement. For example, someone could send a message asking “Is anyone else hungry for pizza?” User interface  60  can incorporate, for example, a yes/no button that can be used to respond to such inquiries in a rapid and efficient fashion. Where this is done, controller  26  can be adapted to cause video display  42  to present a running count of the responses. 
     Once established, the ad hoc network can he used as is generally described above to share video, still images, icons, text, symbols and audio messages. 
     After its useful life, the ad hoc network is terminated. The ad hoc network can terminate at the request of a user of one of the imaging device, at the request of the majority of users, at a predetermined time, or at the end of an event or sequence of events. The conditions giving rise to termination of the ad hoc network can be defined using profiles or by manual control. The ad hoc network can be permanently terminated or it can be temporarily terminated and later re-established. Where the ad hoc network is permanently terminated, information regarding the ad hoc network and its participants will be erased or otherwise discarded by each of the imaging device involved in the network e.g. imaging device and/or any other communication nodes. Where the ad hoc network is temporarily disabled, the network can be re-enabled to permit communications between members of the group. After such communications, the network can again be terminated temporarily. Typically, at least one of the imaging devices in the ad hoc network can record information regarding the ad hoc network. This information is stored for example in one of the imaging device, stored by a supplier of rental imaging device, or stored by another service provider such as a telecommunications company, service provider, or other governmental, commercial or non-governmental organization. 
     Communications that are exchanged using the ad hoc network can also be recorded at the discretion of one or more the members of the ad hoc network. This can be done for example, for the purposes of providing a record of communications made using the network that can be incorporated into an output product for example in a scrapbook, commemorative video presentation or program or audio transcript. In the event that for example, police personnel arrive at a fire scene and establish an ad hoc communication, the fire personnel who later arrive at the scene enjoy the ad hoc network can review the communications that the police personnel have already had regarding the circumstances and can be in a better position to determine how to respond to the situation without causing the police personnel to repeat the communications. Such stored communications can also be used by accessed by users who join or rejoin an ad hoc network. This is particularly useful in situations where one or more members of the network cannot monitor communications because of distractions, loss of signal, equipment failure or for other reasons. 
     The network can be terminated at the end of the event or it can be terminated by user selection. In the case of user  2  and user  3  who have rented the device, termination of the network causes user preferences to be erased thus ensuring the privacy of the previous user when the device is next rented. If the network has not been terminated when the device is returned the rental counter, the rental person terminates the network. Upon leaving the event location, any additional features and any limitations that are placed upon personally owned devices such as imaging device by the event are removed. Upon termination of the network, saved and other communication can be stored, shared or incorporated into an output. 
     Where multiple communication networks are enabled, user interface  60  can include a channel selector allowing the user to conveniently select between networks. The selector can be a job dial or other convenient indicator. Preferably, where multiple networks are enabled, the imaging device will display images of the user identification images or user identification of the members of the network to provide visual assurance as to the recipients of communications transmitted by the imaging device. 
     In various embodiments described above, imaging devices have been shown as comprising or taking the form of existing imaging devices such as personal digital assistants and cellular telephone. Such devices currently have a predefined set of functions and communicate in a well-established fashion. As is noted above, devices of this type can be adapted to operate in a second mode of operation for communication using the ad hoc network. Various components of such devices can be used to support communication in both modes. For example, a conventional cellular telephone antenna can be used as a contact surface, or a conventional transceiver adapted for use in cellular telephone communications can be adapted to operate in a mode wherein it permits detection of contact between a telephone antenna and an imaging device having a contact surface of another device. User interface  60  can be used to instruct controller  26  of an imaging device as to which mode of operation is to be used. 
     In addition, various devices such as cellular telephones and personal digital assistants such as the Visor personal digital assistant sold by Handspring Corp., Mountain View, Calif., U.S.A. are adapted with modular input ports that permit modules that add functionality to the device to be easily added to and removed from the device. An imaging device as described herein can comprise any arrangement of an existing device such as a Visor and a modular attachment providing components or software necessary to adapt the existing device to operate in the manner described herein. 
       FIG. 3  shows a legacy imaging device that does not have a built-in wireless transmitter, contact surface, or contact detection system. The legacy printer  200  is shown in  FIG. 3  with an adapter port  210 , which can be a standard USB type port, capable of accepting an adapter  220  that has wireless capabilities, such as a wireless transceiver, a contact surface, and contact detection system.  FIG. 4  shows the adapter engaged and a communication device near the imaging device. When the communication device contacts the contact surface  226  the contact detection system inside the adapter, responds as described above and enables the legacy printer to perform as a wireless imaging device, for example a wireless printer. 
       FIG. 5  is a detailed view of the adapter  220 , including adapter connector  222  for interfacing an adapter port  210 , antenna  224  for sending and receiving wireless signals, and contact surface  226 . Contact detection system  228  operates as described above and is located within adaptor  220 . In addition optional indicator light  230  in included on adapter  220  to indicate the operational status of the adapter. 
     In yet another embodiment the imaging device can communicate an estimated printing time as shown in  FIG. 6 . This embodiment can supply an estimated completion time for when the print job is complete with a visual pop-up or audible signal on the user workstation in one or more imaging device  10 . Other communication means, such as the communication devices  20 , may also be used. These include, as discussed above, a cell phone, email, IM, pager signal etc, anything that can communicate the information. Other useful information that may be communicated to the users at the time they submit a print job may include important printer status such as media low, paper jam, toner low, error codes, etc. letting the user know that action needs to be taken in order for their job to be completed. 
     In this embodiment a “Timer”  300  is displayed on the printer monitor, such as a LCD, that reads out how long until your print/job will be finished. Often when you send a print to a printer that does not see a lot of traffic you walk up only to find the readout displaying “Engine Warming” or “Printer Calibrating”. This will now tell a user what is really wanted, that is when the print will be done and if not there how long the user should wait or rather come back in so many minutes. The timer could also be used to give an estimate of how long a large job will take and other print related information and it can be displayed on the printer or on a synched communication device  20  or even another imaging device. In one example, when the “sent to printer” balloon pops up the “Time to Completion” could also be displayed by getting feedback from the printer. Feedback could consider things such as: other jobs in queue, engine warming, printer calibrating, number of copies requested, print speed due to quality requested. 
     The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.