Printer-based modem
A printer includes print circuitry, an input/output interface, a modem interface and a controller. The input/output interface provides connection to a computer. The modem interface allows the printer to connect to the internet. The controller handles computing overhead when the computer connects to the internet through the modem interface.
1 . A printer, comprising:
print circuitry;
an input/output interface that provides connection to a computer;
a modem interface that allows the printer to connect to the internet; and,
a controller that handles computing overhead when the computer connects to the internet through the modem interface.
2 . A printer as in claim 1 wherein the modem interface includes the ability to send and receive facsimile transmissions.
3 . A printer as in claim 1 additionally comprising a document feeder.
4 . A printer as in claim 1 additionally comprising:
a user interface panel; and,
a display.
5 . A printer as in claim 1 additionally comprising:
a user interface panel; and,
a display;
wherein the controller handles computing overhead when a user, through the user interface panel, instructs the controller to connect to the internet through the modem interface, the controller communicating information to the user through the display.
6 . A method for establishing an internet connection for a user, comprising the following steps:
forwarding a user request for an internet connection from a computer on which the user makes the request for the internet connection to a printer that has a modem interface; and,
establishing the internet connection using the modem interface within the printer, including:
providing computing overhead for the internet connection established using the modem interface primarily by a controller within the printer.
7 . A method as in claim 6 additionally including the following:
supporting communication between the printer and the computer using an input/output interface within the printer.
8 . A method as in claim 6 additionally including the following:
providing facsimile capability through the modem interface.
9 . A printer, comprising:
means for printing documents;
means for providing connection to a computer;
means for providing a connection between the computer and the internet, the connection being provided through the printer; and,
means for handling, by the printer, processing overhead for the connection between the computer and the internet.
10 . A printer as in claim 9 wherein means for providing a connection between the computer and the internet, the connection being provided through the printer includes the ability to send and receive facsimile transmissions.
11 . A printer as in claim 9 additionally comprises means for scanning a document.
12 . A printer as in claim 9 additionally comprising:
means for receiving input directly from the user; and,
means for directly display information to the user.
13 . A printer as in claim 9 additionally comprising:
means for receiving input directly from the user, the input including instructions to the printer to establish a direct connection between the printer and the internet; and,
means for directly displaying information to the user, including information pertaining to the direct connection between the printer and the internet.
14 . A method for establishing an internet connection for a user, comprising the following steps:
receiving a user request for an internet connection by a printer that has a modem interface; and,
establishing the internet connection using a modem interface within the printer, including:
providing computing overhead for the internet connection established using the modem interface primarily by a controller within the printer.
15 . A method as in claim 14 additionally including the following:
providing facsimile capability through the modem interface.
16 . A method as in claim 14 wherein the user request is received by the printer through a user computer on which the user makes the user request.
17 . A method as in claim 16 additionally including the following:
supporting communication between the printer and the user computer using an input/output interface within the printer.
18 . A method as in claim 14 wherein the user request is received by the printer through a user interface on the printer.
19 . A method as in claim 14 additionally comprising:
displaying connection information to the user via a display that is part of the printer.