Mobile Device Fax Transmission via Camera Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sending and receiving faxes are limited by the need for internet connectivity, the use of intermediaries, and incompatibility with non-IP enabled fax machines, making it difficult to transmit fax transmittals directly and efficiently from mobile devices to traditional fax machines.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a fax machine into a mobile device, allowing it to capture and convert images into fax transmittals, which can be transmitted directly to traditional fax machines via networks, with features for adjusting image size, annotating, and appending signatures and cover pages, enabling direct connections and transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fax machines are used for direct transmission, then transmission security and reliability are improved, but device mobility and accessibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fax transmission functionality with a mobile device by integrating an image sensor (camera), processing logic, and transceiver into a single portable unit. This merging allows the device to perform direct fax transmissions with traditional fax machines while maintaining mobility and accessibility, resolving the contradiction between transmission reliability and device mobility.
2Speed
If fax over IP is used, then transmission speed is improved, but compatibility with existing fax machines is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device acts as an intermediary between modern high-speed networks and traditional fax machines. It captures images using the camera, processes them into fax-compatible formats, and transmits them over phone lines to traditional fax machines. This intermediary approach maintains compatibility with legacy equipment while enabling modern image capture and processing capabilities.
3Speed
If internet-based faxing is used, then transmission speed is improved, but transmission fidelity and security are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential fax transmission function from internet-based systems and returns it to the direct phone line connection. By using the mobile device's camera to capture images and transmitting them directly over phone lines to traditional fax machines, the system maintains the security and fidelity of direct connections while eliminating the need for internet intermediaries and associated security risks.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which relate to incorporating a fax machine function into a mobile device. A camera on the mobile device is used to scan or capture an image of an existing document. Logic on the mobile device converts the image into a fax transmittal that can be transmitted to a fax machine. Once the fax transmittal is ready, a connection is initiated with a traditional fax machine across one or more networks, and the fax transmittal is sent to the fax machine at a speed determined by the slower device. Upon a successful transmission, the connection is terminated, and a report is generated.