Media cartridge and method for mobile printing

Abstract

Systems and methods for secure, remote printing includes a mobile device (e.g., cell phone or PDA) establishing a secure communication connection with a mobile printer and a server, such a connection using one or more encryption protocols (e.g., SSL, TLS, etc.). The server encrypts the requested data and transmits it to the printer via the secure connection, whereon the printer decrypts and prints the data. The mobile device can, according to other aspects of the invention, logs operational performance characteristic of the printer, the server, and / or the communication connections therebetween. A media cartridge can be provided includes an enclosure having a substantially planar shape, wherein each of its length and width dimensions are greater than its height. An opening is disposed along a width-wise edge (e.g., a “front” of the enclosure), and one or more regions are also disposed on opposing length-wise edges (e.g., a “left side” and a “right side” of the enclosure). The regions permit a user to see and / or exert a force on sheet media (e.g., paper) contained within the enclosure.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 295,679, filed Dec. 6, 2005, entitled “Subscriber Service and Micro-Printer for Remote, Mobile Printing,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 633,961, filed Dec. 7, 2004, the entire contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention pertains to telecommunications and remote data memorialization. More particularly, it pertains to methods and apparatus for the provision of telecommunications subscriber services and remote printing.[0003]A number of options exist for data to be gathered and to be printed and preserved on permanent media. Much of this data is provided from but not limited to the Web. The most common method for converting this data into printed form is by fixed printing devices as for example a printer connected to a computer. Wile many comput...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]Still other related aspects of the invention provide such methods and apparatus which enable disparate content providers the ability to “lock” content into a format compatible with designated remote client application and printer interface applications.

[0036]In still further aspects of the invention, the enclosure has a removable cover that is removed prior to insertion of the enclosure into a mobile printer. In a related aspect of the invention, the removable cover is disposed along the width-wise edge having the aforementioned opening, thereby covering that opening, and at least one of (i) protecting the media during transport and handling and (ii) preventing the media from falling out of the enclosure prior to insertion into the mobile printer.

Problems solved by technology

Wile many computers and printers today are transportable, they are not conveniently carried on one's person.

Though these are suitable for many needs, such output does not address the wide ranging demands that might otherwise be met if that output could be permanently memorialized.

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