Photograph facsimile apparatus and method

Abstract

Apparatus and methods are disclosed for sending and receiving data such as photographic or other color images. The apparatus includes a housing and a data entry module such as a number were keypad for dialing. It also includes a recording mechanism, for example a color printer for recording data received onto the fixed medium, for example to produce color photographs.

1 . An apparatus for sending and receiving a photograph or other image to be printed on a fixed medium, the device comprising: 
 a housing;    a data entry element on a hand-accessible surface of the housing for entering a destination for the signals representing an image;    a wall defining an opening for outputting a medium on which is fixed an image;    paper storage; and    a connection for receiving JPEG data from a camera storage element.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising memory for storing signals representing an image.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising an interface between the housing and a communications line for transmitting signals from and receiving signals in the housing representing images.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising conversion means for converting signals representing an image into data for controlling a printer for printing an image onto the paper.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a printer in the housing for printing an image onto the paper.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 5  further comprising a feed mechanism for feeding the paper from the storage to the printer.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further including means for receiving and sending digital image files.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 7  wherein the receiving and sending means includes a color fax modem.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further including a paper cartridge received within the housing for supplying paper.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 9  further including a color printer for retrieving a sheet of paper from the paper cartridge and printing a color image on the paper.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the printer is sized to accept paper the larger than six inches wide.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a handset for voice communication.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a display for providing information to a user.  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a print button.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising an indicator for indicating that digital images are stored and ready for printing.  
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 14  further including means for controlling the indicator to produce flashing light.  
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 16  further comprising means for printing an image on the medium and a print button for causing printing means to print on the medium and the wherein the indicator is on the print button.  
   
   
       18 . A device for sending and receiving a photograph or other image to be printed on a fixed medium, the device comprising: 
 a housing having a top;    a data entry key pad on the top of the housing for entering a telephone number destination for signals representing an image;    a wall defining an output for printing a medium on which is fixed an photo image;    a paper cartridge;    a connection for receiving JPEG data from a camera storage element;    memory for storing signals representing an image;    an interface jack between the housing and a communications line for transmitting signals from and receiving signals in the housing representing images;    conversion means for converting signals representing an image into data for controlling a printer for printing an image onto the paper; and    a printer in the housing for printing an image onto the paper.    
   
   
       19 . A device for sending and receiving a photograph or other image to be printed on a fixed medium, the device comprising: 
 a housing having a top;    means on top of the housing for entering data representing a destination for signals representing the image;    means within the housing for printing the image onto a medium;    removable means for removably holding a plurality of sheets of the medium;    connecting means associated with the housing for receiving JPEG data from a camera storage element;    means within the housing for storing signals representing an image;    means for transmitting signals from and receiving signals in the housing representing images; and    means for converting signals representing an image into data for controlling a printer for printing and image onto the paper.