Methods and apparatus for interfacing a host device to a peripheral device in order to increase consumption of consumable products by the peripheral device

摘要

Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method comprising providing an apparatus, wherein the apparatus is configured to be coupled to (i) a peripheral device and (ii) a host device. The apparatus includes memory configured to store logic, wherein the logic is configured to (i) allow the host device and the peripheral device to communicate with each other and (ii) operate the peripheral device. The apparatus further includes a processor configured to execute the logic. The method further comprises bundling the apparatus with a consumable product for sale with the consumable product, wherein the consumable product is configured to be consumed by the peripheral device.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
facilitating, by a coupling device, communication between a host device and a peripheral device, wherein the communication between the host device and the peripheral device is via the coupling device, wherein the coupling device is separate from each of the host device and the peripheral device, and wherein a cable is permanently coupled to the coupling device such that (i) a first end of the cable is permanently attached to one or more internal components of the coupling device and (ii) a second end of the cable comprises a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection plug that is configured to be inserted in a USB interface of the peripheral device; receiving, by the coupling device, power from the peripheral device via the USB connection plug and the cable, wherein the received power is used to operate the coupling device; receiving, by the coupling device, a print command from the host device via a first USB link, wherein the print command to the coupling device does not include a document for printing, and wherein the first USB link is different and separate from the USB connection plug and the cable; in response to receiving the print command, receiving, by the coupling device, the document from a server over the Internet, wherein the server is different from the host device; and transmitting, by the coupling device, the contents of the retrieved document to the peripheral device for printing.