System for RF communication between a host and a portable printer
US6379058B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 30, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 30, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 30, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J3/36
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system is provided for RF communication between a host terminal or computer system (“host”) and a portable printer through RF signal transmissions. The host has a RF communication interface and is programmed to send and receive data via the interface to a portable printer. The portable printer has a printing mechanism for printing on media and a RF communication interface to send and receive data from a host. The printer is programmed to link with a host and then operate responsive to data received in RF signals from a host linked to the printer. Each portable printer has a unique serial number which is recorded in a barcode present on the housing of the printer and/or in an RFID tag coupled to the printer. The host has either, or both, an optical scanner or an RFID transmitter/receiver to read the printer's barcode or RF signals from the tag to obtain the printer's serial number. The host uses the serial number to identify a unique address associated with the printer by association between printer serial numbers and addresses. The host and printer are linked for RF communication by the host sending a first packet addressed to the printer utilizing the printer's addre…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.