Add-on scanner for existing ink jet printer

An apparatus for scanning optical images and printing comprising:

• a frame defining a print media path having a beginning and an end;
• means for advancing print media along said media path;
• means for printing upon media received in said media path;
• an output tray at the end of said media path for receiving print media after passing through said print media path;
• a scanner removably mounted on said output tray for optically scanning media received in said output tray;
• and
• means for selecting between optically scanning print media received in said output tray and printing upon media received in said media path.

An apparatus for scanning optical images and printing connected to a host computer comprising:

• a printer having a frame defining a print media path and an output tray for receiving a scanner, said printer having means for advancing print media along said print media path to said output tray, and said printer having a carriage mounted on said frame for receiving a print head for printing on said print media;
• a scanner mounted on said output tray for optically scanning media received in said output tray;
• a printer controller electrically connected to said printer for controlling said means for advancing print media, said carriage, and said print head;
• a controller interface port electrically connected to said printer controller for connecting the printer controller to a scanner electronics cartridge;
• a communication channel electrically connected between said printer controller and said host computer for transferring data between the printer controller and the host computer.

An apparatus mountable on a printer output tray for scanning images on print media driven through a print media path in the printer, said apparatus comprising:

• a hood mountable on said printer output tray;
• a light source mounted on an internal position of said hood and directed toward said print media path;
• a mirror for reflecting an image on print media illuminated by said light source;
• and
• a sensor for detecting such a reflected image and converting it to an electrical signal.