The design and application of a personal printer/scanner system

Abstract

A prototype system for concurrent printing and scanning of documents has been constructed. By taking a personal computer ink-jet printer and modifying it to include a line-scan sensor, major benefits are derived. Both conventional printers and scanners contain mechanisms for moving either documents, sensors or mirrors. Combining a printer and a scanner into a single device offers a potential reduction in cost because the printer's mechanisms then serve a double duty. A scanner makes available to the personal computer user established commercial applications such as image digitization and facsimile. Moreover, unique document processing features are possible when a scanner is present in a printing device. With documents already containing some information, intelligent printing annotation can be performed. For example, a previously scanned and digitized picture can be printed on a new document already containing text and open space. Scaling, positioning and printing of the digitized picture to fit within the open space is archived through scanning and analyzing the new document. The physical and functional characteristics of the printer/scanner system are described. Principles relevant to the design, construction and application of the printer/scanner are given, and present and future applications discussed.