Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/ – Input/output data processing – Peripheral adapting
Reexamination Certificate
1997-10-20
2001-08-28
Lee, Thomas (Department: 2182)
Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/
Input/output data processing
Peripheral adapting
C713S300000, C358S001150
Reexamination Certificate
active
06282591
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a data transfer apparatus such as a data transfer apparatus located between information processing apparatus and a printing apparatus and provided with wireless communication means.
2. Description of the Related Art
A great number of notebook personal computers and portable information terminals provided with wireless communication means using an infrared ray are used. On the other hand, most printing apparatus such as ink-jet printers are not provided with infrared communication means. Therefore, when data to be printed is transmitted from a terminal device to a printing apparatus via infrared rays, it is required that a data transfer apparatus should be connected to an interface of the printing apparatus.
In general, no electric power is supplied from the interface of the printing apparatus to the data transfer apparatus. Therefore, to operate the data transfer apparatus, it is required to supply electric power to the data transfer apparatus from a special power supply device such as an AC adapter connected to a wall outlet. However, the cord of the AC adapter causes not only a poor appearance but also a limitation in the installation place, thus impairing the advantages of the wireless communication.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus in which all or at least one of the above problems are solved.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus capable of performing communication via various types of interfaces.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus suitable for use with a printer.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus capable of directly controlling a printer via wireless transmission.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a data transfer apparatus by which communication can be performed between an apparatus connected to a serial communication system via a communication line and a terminal device having wireless communication means.
According to an aspect of the present invention to achieve the above objects, there is provided a data transfer apparatus having power supplying means for supplying electric power via a communication line, the data transfer apparatus being characterized in that the data transfer apparatus comprises: driving means for operating each part with electric power supplied via the communication line; wireless communication means using infrared rays; and connection means and interconversion means for making a connection between the wireless communication means and communication means via the communication line.
The invention further provides a novel information processing apparatus having novel capability.
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Universal Serial Bus Specification, Revision 1.0, Jan. 15, 1996, pp. 30, 131-135.*
Infrared Data Associaton Serial Infrared Physical Layer Specification, Version 1.3, Oct. 15, 1998, pp. 10-12.*
JetEye Printer Data Sheet, pp. 1-2 [retrieved on Oct. 28, 1999]. Retrieved from; the Internet:<URL: http://www.extendedsystems.com/prodinfo/infrared.html>.*
ACTiSYS IrDA IR Printer Adapter, pp. 1-3 [retrieved on Oct. 28, 1999]. Retrieved from the Internet:<URL: http://www.actisys.com/ACTIR100.html>.*
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Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
Du Thuan
Fitzpatrick ,Cella, Harper & Scinto
Lee Thomas
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