Paper sheet detection device and detection method thereof

Abstract

A detecting method of a paper detecting device includes: a first magnetic induction element corresponding to a magnetic element to generate a first voltage signal; a second magnetic induction element corresponding to the magnetic element to generate a second voltage signal; a processing element judging a first relative position of the magnetic element relative to the first magnetic induction element according to the first voltage signal; the processing element judging a second relative position of the magnetic element relative to the second magnetic induction element according to the second voltage signal; the processing element judging a stationary position of the magnetic element according to the first relative position and the second relative position; and the processing element judging a paper size of a paper abutting against a paper guide according to the stationary position. The present application also provides a paper detecting device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a detection device, and more particularly to a paper detection device and its detection method. Background Technology

[0002] The main structure of the existing paper inspection mechanism includes an input tray and a grating ruler sensing module. The light sensor is mounted on the paper guide. The light sensor is moved to the required position by the movement of the paper guide. The position read by the light sensor is used to obtain the relative paper width dimension.

[0003] Furthermore, in Taiwanese patent application TW 201402343A, the paper detection mechanism of a printer includes a paper tray, a width adjuster, a length adjuster, and a logic unit. The width adjuster and length adjuster are located on the front of the bottom plate of the paper tray, and together with the bottom plate, they form a paper feeding area. The paper size detection mechanism also includes a first magnetic element on the width adjuster, a second magnetic element on the length adjuster, and multiple magnetic sensing elements on the back of the bottom plate. Each magnetic sensing element generates a position signal when it senses the first or second magnetic element, and the logic unit determines the paper size of the paper feeding area based on the combination of the position signals generated by the multiple magnetic sensing elements.

[0004] However, in the design concepts of these existing prior art, both the optical sensor and the magnetic sensing element are only constructed to detect "present" or "absent" signals. Therefore, when the paper guide or adjuster is slightly offset from the preset paper size position, although the optical sensor or magnetic sensing element will still generate a signal, the signal strength may not correspond to the preset strength, which can easily cause errors in signal determination and thus errors in paper size determination.

[0005] Therefore, how to provide a paper detection device that can more accurately detect paper size is an important research topic for the inventors of this case. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a paper detection device and method that can more accurately detect paper size.

[0007] This invention provides a detection method for a paper detection device. The paper detection device cooperates with a paper tray, the paper tray having a paper guide. The paper detection device includes a magnetic element disposed on the paper guide, a first magnetic induction element and a second magnetic induction element disposed on the paper tray, and a processing element electrically connected to the first magnetic induction element and the second magnetic induction element. The detection method includes: the first magnetic induction element generating a first voltage signal corresponding to the magnetic element; the second magnetic induction element generating a second voltage signal corresponding to the magnetic element; the processing element determining a first relative position of the magnetic element relative to the first magnetic induction element based on the first voltage signal; the processing element determining a second relative position of the magnetic element relative to the second magnetic induction element based on the second voltage signal; the processing element determining a stationary position of the magnetic element based on the first and second relative positions; and the processing element determining a paper size of a piece of paper abutted by the paper guide based on the stationary position.

[0008] In some embodiments, the detection method further includes: a first voltage signal corresponding to a preset voltage signal, and a processing element determining that the first relative position is that the magnetic element is located at the first magnetic induction element, and the second relative position is that the magnetic element is located on the side of the second magnetic induction element closer to the first magnetic induction element.

[0009] In some embodiments, the detection method further includes: the processing element determining, based on the first relative position and the second relative position, that the stationary position is the magnetic element located at the first magnetic induction element.

[0010] In some embodiments, the detection method further includes: when the first voltage signal does not correspond to a preset voltage signal and the second voltage signal corresponds to the preset voltage signal, the processing element determines that the first relative position is that the magnetic element is located on the side of the first magnetic induction element closer to the second magnetic induction element, and the second relative position is that the magnetic element is located on the second magnetic induction element.

[0011] In some embodiments, the detection method further includes: the processing element determining, based on the first relative position and the second relative position, that the stationary position is the magnetic element located at the second magnetic induction element.

[0012] In some embodiments, the processing element determining the first relative position based on the first voltage signal further includes: the processing element determining that the first relative position is that the magnetic element is located on the side of the first magnetic induction element closer to the second magnetic induction element.

[0013] In some embodiments, the processing element determining the second relative position based on the second voltage signal further includes: the processing element determining that the second relative position is that the magnetic element is located on the side of the second magnetic induction element closer to the first magnetic induction element.

[0014] In some embodiments, the process element determining the stationary position based on the first relative position and the second relative position further includes: the process element determining that the stationary position is such that the magnetic element is located between the first magnetic induction element and the second magnetic induction element.

[0015] This invention provides a paper detection device that works in conjunction with a paper tray. The paper tray has a paper guide. The paper detection device includes: a magnetic element disposed on the paper guide; a first magnetic induction element disposed on the paper tray, generating a first voltage signal corresponding to the magnetic element; a second magnetic induction element disposed on the paper tray and spaced apart from the first magnetic induction element, generating a second voltage signal corresponding to the magnetic element; and a processing element electrically connected to the first and second magnetic induction elements, and receiving the first and second voltage signals. The processing element determines a first relative position of the magnetic element relative to the first magnetic induction element based on the first voltage signal, and determines a second relative position of the magnetic element relative to the second magnetic induction element based on the second voltage signal. Based on the first and second relative positions, the processing element determines a stationary position of the magnetic element, and based on the stationary position, determines the paper size of a piece of paper abutted by the paper guide.

[0016] In some embodiments, when the first voltage signal corresponds to a preset voltage signal, the processing element determines that the first relative position is where the magnetic element is located at the first magnetic induction element, and the second relative position is where the magnetic element is located on the side of the second magnetic induction element closer to the first magnetic induction element. Based on the first and second relative positions, the processing element determines that the stationary position is where the magnetic element is located at the first magnetic induction element.

[0017] In some embodiments, the paper detection device further includes: a third magnetic sensing element disposed in the paper tray and spaced apart from the second magnetic sensing element, the second magnetic sensing element being located between the first magnetic sensing element and the third magnetic sensing element. The first distance between the first and second magnetic sensing elements is different from the second distance between the second and third magnetic sensing elements.

[0018] In some embodiments, the third magnetic sensing element generates a third voltage signal corresponding to the magnetic element. The processing element determines a third relative position of the magnetic element relative to the third magnetic sensing element based on the third voltage signal, and determines the stationary position of the magnetic element based on the first relative position, the second relative position, and the third relative position.

[0019] In some embodiments, when the second voltage signal corresponds to a preset voltage signal, the processing element determines that the first relative position is where the magnetic element is located on the side of the first magnetic induction element closer to the second magnetic induction element, the second relative position is where the magnetic element is located on the side of the second magnetic induction element, and the third relative position is where the magnetic element is located on the side of the third magnetic induction element closer to the second magnetic induction element. The processing element determines that the stationary position is where the magnetic element is located on the side of the second magnetic induction element.

[0020] In some embodiments, the paper detection device further includes: a third magnetic sensing element disposed in the paper tray and spaced apart from the second magnetic sensing element, the second magnetic sensing element being located between the first magnetic sensing element and the third magnetic sensing element. A first distance between the first magnetic sensing element and the second magnetic sensing element is the same as a second distance between the second magnetic sensing element and the third magnetic sensing element.

[0021] In some embodiments, the third magnetic sensing element generates a third voltage signal corresponding to the magnetic element. The processing element determines a third relative position of the magnetic element relative to the third magnetic sensing element based on the third voltage signal, and determines the stationary position of the magnetic element based on the first relative position, the second relative position, and the third relative position.

[0022] In some embodiments, the processing element determines that the first relative position is where the magnetic element is located on the side of the first magnetic induction element closer to the second magnetic induction element, the second relative position is where the magnetic element is located on the side of the second magnetic induction element closer to the first magnetic induction element, and the third relative position is where the magnetic element is located on the side of the third magnetic induction element closer to the second magnetic induction element. The processing element determines that the stationary position is where the magnetic element is located between the first and second magnetic induction elements.

[0023] This invention provides a paper detection device that works in conjunction with a paper tray. The paper tray has a paper guide. The paper detection device includes: a magnetic element disposed on the paper guide; a plurality of magnetic sensing elements disposed at intervals in the paper tray, each magnetic sensing element generating a voltage signal corresponding to the magnetic element, and the number of the magnetic sensing elements corresponding to the number of a preset paper type; and a processing element electrically connected to the magnetic sensing elements. The processing element determines multiple relative positions of the magnetic element relative to the magnetic sensing elements based on the multiple voltage signals generated by the magnetic sensing elements. Based on these relative positions, the processing element determines a stationary position of the magnetic element and, based on the stationary position, determines a paper size of a piece of paper abutted by the paper guide.

[0024] In some embodiments, when the voltage signal of one of the magnetic induction elements corresponds to a preset voltage signal, the processing element determines that one of the relative positions is a magnetic element located among the magnetic induction elements.

[0025] In some embodiments, when the voltage signal of one of the magnetic induction elements corresponds to a preset voltage signal, the voltage signals of the other magnetic induction elements adjacent to one of the magnetic induction elements are different from the preset voltage signal.

[0026] In some embodiments, the processing element determines that the other relative positions are such that the magnetic element is located on the side of the other magnetic induction elements that is closer to one of the magnetic induction elements.

[0027] In summary, the paper detection device and method of the present invention utilize at least two magnetic induction elements disposed at different positions, and each magnetic induction element generates a different voltage signal corresponding to a magnetic element. Therefore, when the paper guide moves the magnetic element to different positions, and different magnetic induction elements generate different voltage signals corresponding to the magnetic element, the processing element can determine the relative position of the magnetic element with respect to the magnetic induction elements based on these voltage signals, thus accurately determining the location of the paper guide with the magnetic element. Compared to existing technologies that only detect "present" or "absent" signals, in the paper detection device and method of the present invention, regardless of the location of the magnetic element, the processing element can determine the relative position of the magnetic element based on the voltage signal generated by the magnetic induction element, thereby avoiding signal determination errors and accurately determining the size of the paper being pressed against by the paper guide.

[0028] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but this is not intended to limit the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a paper detection device and a paper tray according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the paper detection device in use according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the relative positions of the magnetic induction element and the magnetic element and the voltage signal.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a paper detection method according to the present invention.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the paper detection device in use according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the paper detection device in use according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of a paper detection device and a paper tray in cooperation with a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 8A This is a schematic diagram of the paper detection device in use according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 8B This is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the relative positions of the magnetic induction element and the magnetic element and the voltage signal.

[0038] Figure 9A This is a schematic diagram of the paper detection device in use according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 9B This is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the relative positions of the magnetic induction element and the magnetic element and the voltage signal.

[0040] Figure 10A This is a schematic diagram of the paper detection device in use according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 10B This is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the relative positions of the magnetic induction element and the magnetic element and the voltage signal.

[0042] In the attached figures, the following labels are used:

[0043] 1, 2, 3, 4: Paper detection device

[0044] 11, 21, 31, 41: Magnetic components

[0045] 12, 13, 22A~22E, 32A~32E, 42A~42E: Magnetic induction element

[0046] 14, 24, 34, 44: Processing elements

[0047] 9: Paper box

[0048] 91: Paper guide

[0049] D: Direction of movement

[0050] P: stationary position

[0051] P1, P2: Relative positions

[0052] V1~V5: Voltage signals

[0053] D1~D5: Spacing

[0054] S10~S15: Steps Detailed Implementation

[0055] The structural and working principles of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0056] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a paper detection device 1 and a paper tray 9 in cooperation with a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the paper detection device 1 in use according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the paper detection device 1 of the present invention can, for example, be configured to cooperate with the paper tray 9 of a printer (not shown). The paper tray 9 may, for example, have a paper guide 91. The paper guide 91 is disposed within the paper tray 9 and can move along a moving direction D. It should be noted that the paper guide 91 may be a single-sided (left, right, or bottom) paper guide (e.g., Figure 1 As shown), the paper guide components on both the left and right sides move together (as shown below). Figure 7 The paper guide components (not shown in the figure), or those connected to the left (or right) and bottom sides, or other paper guide components that are connected or not connected in other ways, are not intended to limit the invention. The left, right, or bottom sides are described above with the side of the paper tray 9 connected to the paper inlet of the printer as the top side.

[0058] The paper detection device 1 has a magnetic element 11, a first magnetic induction element 12, a second magnetic induction element 13, and a processing element 14.

[0059] A magnetic element 11 is disposed on the paper guide 91. The magnetic element 11 is, for example, a magnet, and its magnetic induction intensity (or magnetic force) is not limited. When the paper guide 91 moves along the moving direction D, the paper guide 91 will drive the magnetic element 11 to move. Furthermore, the arrangement of the magnetic moment direction M1 (the direction from the south pole S to the north pole N) of the magnetic element 11 is not limited; here, the magnetic moment direction M1 is the same as the moving direction D of the paper guide 91 away from the side wall of the paper tray 9 (i.e., Figure 2 Let's take the movement direction D (to the left) as an example to illustrate.

[0060] A first magnetic sensing element 12 is disposed on the paper tray 9, and a first voltage signal V1 can be generated corresponding to the magnetic element 11. The first magnetic sensing element 12 may be, for example, a Hall sensor, but is not a limitation.

[0061] The second magnetic sensing element 13 is disposed on the paper tray 9 and spaced apart from the first magnetic sensing element 12, and can generate a second voltage signal V2 corresponding to the magnetic element 11. The second magnetic sensing element 13 can be, for example, a Hall sensor, but this is not a limitation. The second magnetic sensing element 13 can be a magnetic sensing element of the same or different specifications as the first magnetic sensing element 12, but this is not a limitation. In this embodiment, the first magnetic sensing element 12 and the second magnetic sensing element 13 are magnetic sensing elements of the same specifications for illustration.

[0062] In some embodiments, the first magnetic sensing element 12 and the second magnetic sensing element 13 may be located on the side of the magnetic element 11 (e.g., Figure 2 The magnetic induction element 12 and the second magnetic induction element 13 are located on the bottom side of the magnetic element (not shown in the figure, i.e., when viewed from above, the magnetic induction element overlaps with the paper guide 91), which is not limiting, but requires that the first magnetic induction element 12 and the second magnetic induction element 13 can generate voltage signals accordingly.

[0063] The processing element 14 is electrically connected to the first magnetic sensing element 12 and the second magnetic sensing element 13. The processing element 14 may include, for example, a sensor integrated circuit, a microcontroller (MCU), a microprocessor (MPU), a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a field-programmable logic array (FPGA), or a system-on-a-chip (SoC).

[0064] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the relationship between the relative positions of the magnetic induction element and the magnetic element and the voltage signal. In some embodiments, the voltage signals V1 and V2 generated when the first magnetic induction element 12 or the second magnetic induction element 13 is at different positions relative to the magnetic element 11 can be represented as follows: Figure 3 Specifically, when the magnetic moment direction M1 of the magnetic element 11 faces left (i.e., the north pole N is on the left) and moves from left to right in the diagram, the voltage signals V1 and V2 generated by the first magnetic induction element 12 or the second magnetic induction element 13 will initially rise, reaching their highest point at a certain point. As the magnetic element 11 continues to move to the right, the voltage signals V1 and V2 will decline. When the centerline of the magnetic element 11 overlaps with the centerline of the first magnetic induction element 12 or the second magnetic induction element 13, the first magnetic induction element 12 or the second magnetic induction element 13 cannot detect any magnetic field lines because the magnetic field lines of the magnetic element 11 are parallel to those of the first magnetic induction element 12 or the second magnetic induction element 13. Therefore, the voltage signals V1 and V2 generated by the first magnetic induction element 12 or the second magnetic induction element 13 at this point are preset voltage signals. In some embodiments, the preset voltage signal is, for example, half of the input voltage Vcc (i.e., Vcc / 2, for example, 1.65V). As the magnetic element 11 continues to move to the right, at a certain point, the voltage signals V1 and V2 generated by the first magnetic induction element 12 or the second magnetic induction element 13 will reach their lowest point. As the magnetic element 11 continues to move to the right, the voltage signals V1 and V2 generated by the first magnetic induction element 12 or the second magnetic induction element 13 will gradually rise and approach the preset voltage signal (e.g., Vcc / 2, which can be 1.65V).

[0065] In other words, when the voltage signals V1 and V2 are higher than the preset voltage signal (e.g., Vcc / 2), the magnetic element 11 is located to the left of the first magnetic induction element 12 or the second magnetic induction element 13, and when the voltage signals V1 and V2 are lower than the preset voltage signal, the magnetic element 11 is located to the right of the first magnetic induction element 12 or the second magnetic induction element 13.

[0066] It should be noted that when the magnetic moment direction M1 of the magnetic element 11 is opposite to the above (i.e., the north pole N is on the right), the judgment method of the voltage signals V1 and V2 corresponding to the preset voltage signals will also be opposite to the above judgment method.

[0067] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a paper detection method according to the present invention.

[0068] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the detection method of the paper detection device of the present invention includes steps S10 to S15. In step S10, the first magnetic induction element 12 generates a first voltage signal V1 corresponding to the magnetic element 11. In step S11, the second magnetic induction element 13 generates a second voltage signal V2 corresponding to the magnetic element 11. In step S12, the processing element 14 determines a first relative position P1 of the magnetic element 11 relative to the first magnetic induction element 12 based on the first voltage signal V1. In step S13, the processing element 14 determines a second relative position P2 of the magnetic element 11 relative to the second magnetic induction element 13 based on the second voltage signal V2. In step S14, the processing element 14 determines the rest position P of the magnetic element 11 based on the first relative position P1 and the second relative position P2. In step S15, the processing element 14 determines the paper size (not shown) of the paper abutted by the paper guide 91 based on the rest position P.

[0069] Specifically, for example, when the first voltage signal V1 corresponds to a preset voltage signal (e.g. Figure 3 In the case of Vcc / 2 (which can be 1.65V), the processing element 14 determines that the first relative position P1 is when the magnetic element 11 is located on the first magnetic induction element 12, and the second relative position P2 is when the magnetic element 11 is located on the side of the second magnetic induction element 13 closer to the first magnetic induction element 12. Based on the first relative position P1 and the second relative position P2, the processing element 14 determines that the stationary position P is when the magnetic element 11 is located on the first magnetic induction element 12.

[0070] It is worth mentioning that the magnetic element 11 may be located near the first magnetic induction element 12, for example, when the magnetic element 11 is adjacent to the first magnetic induction element 12, when the center line of the magnetic element 11 is aligned with the center line of the first magnetic induction element 12, or when the center line of the magnetic element 11 is at its shortest distance from the center line of the first magnetic induction element 12, or when the magnetic element 11 is adjacent to the first magnetic induction element 12 and generates the first voltage signal V1. This is not a limitation.

[0071] Furthermore, the magnetic element 11 being located on the side of the second magnetic induction element 13 closer to the first magnetic induction element 12 indicates that the magnetic element 11 is, for example... Figure 2 As shown, it is located to the right of the second magnetic sensing element 13. That is, among the left and right sides of the second magnetic sensing element 13, the magnetic element 11 is located on the side closer to the first magnetic sensing element 12 (i.e., Figure 2 (The right side of the middle).

[0072] Therefore, when the processing element 14 determines that the stationary position P is the magnetic element 11 located at the first magnetic induction element 12 based on the first relative position P1 and the second relative position P2, the processing element 14 can determine that the paper size of the paper (not shown in the figure) that is pressed against by the paper guide 91 corresponds to the paper size defined by the position of the first magnetic induction element 12.

[0073] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the paper detection device 1 in use according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] In some embodiments, when the first voltage signal V1 does not correspond to a preset voltage signal (e.g., Figure 3 In the above, Vcc / 2 (which can be 1.65V), and the second voltage signal V2 corresponds to a preset voltage signal. The processing element 14 determines that the first relative position P1 is when the magnetic element 11 is located on the side of the first magnetic induction element 12 closer to the second magnetic induction element 13, and the second relative position P2 is when the magnetic element 11 is located on the second magnetic induction element 13. Based on the first relative position P1 and the second relative position P2, the processing element 14 determines that the stationary position P is when the magnetic element 11 is located on the second magnetic induction element 13.

[0075] It is worth mentioning that the magnetic element 11 is located on the side of the first magnetic induction element 12 closer to the second magnetic induction element 13, which indicates the magnetic element 11, for example... Figure 5 As shown, it is located to the left of the first magnetic induction element 12. That is, between the left and right sides of the first magnetic induction element 12, the magnetic element 11 is located on the side closer to the second magnetic induction element 13 (i.e., Figure 5 (Left side of the middle).

[0076] Furthermore, the magnetic element 11 may be located near the second magnetic induction element 13, for example, when the magnetic element 11 is adjacent to the second magnetic induction element 13, when the center line of the magnetic element 11 is aligned with the center line of the second magnetic induction element 13, when the center line of the magnetic element 11 is at its shortest distance from the center line of the second magnetic induction element 13, or when the magnetic element 11 is adjacent to the second magnetic induction element 13 and generates the second voltage signal V2. This is not a limitation.

[0077] Therefore, when the processing element 14 determines that the stationary position P is the magnetic element 11 located at the second magnetic induction element 13 based on the first relative position P1 and the second relative position P2, the processing element 14 can determine that the paper size of the paper (not shown in the figure) that is pressed against by the paper guide 91 corresponds to the paper size defined by the position of the second magnetic induction element 13.

[0078] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the paper detection device 1 in use according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] In some embodiments, when neither the first voltage signal V1 nor the second voltage signal V2 corresponds to a preset voltage signal (e.g., Figure 3 When Vcc / 2 (which can be 1.65V) and the first voltage signal V1 and the second voltage signal V2 are located on both sides of the preset voltage signal, the processing element 14 determines that the first relative position P1 is when the magnetic element 11 is located on the side of the first magnetic induction element 12 closer to the second magnetic induction element 13, and the second relative position P2 is when the magnetic element 11 is located on the side of the second magnetic induction element 13 closer to the first magnetic induction element 12. Based on the first relative position P1 and the second relative position P2, the processing element 14 determines that the stationary position P is when the magnetic element 11 is located between the first magnetic induction element 12 and the second magnetic induction element 13.

[0080] It is worth mentioning that the magnetic element 11 is located on the side of the first magnetic induction element 12 closer to the second magnetic induction element 13, which indicates the magnetic element 11, for example... Figure 6 As shown, it is located to the left of the first magnetic induction element 12. That is, between the left and right sides of the first magnetic induction element 12, the magnetic element 11 is located on the side closer to the second magnetic induction element 13 (i.e., Figure 6 (Left side of the middle).

[0081] Furthermore, the magnetic element 11 being located on the side of the second magnetic induction element 13 closer to the first magnetic induction element 12 indicates that the magnetic element 11 is, for example... Figure 6 As shown, it is located to the right of the second magnetic sensing element 13. That is, among the left and right sides of the second magnetic sensing element 13, the magnetic element 11 is located on the side closer to the first magnetic sensing element 12 (i.e., Figure 6 (The right side of the middle).

[0082] Therefore, when the processing element 14 determines that the stationary position P is between the magnetic element 11 and the first magnetic induction element 12 and the second magnetic induction element 13 based on the first relative position P1 and the second relative position P2, the processing element 14 can determine that the paper size of the paper (not shown in the figure) that is pressed against by the paper guide 91 corresponds to the paper size defined by the relative position of the magnetic element 11 with the first magnetic induction element 12 and the second magnetic induction element 13.

[0083] As described above, the paper detection device 1 and its detection method of this embodiment utilize two magnetic induction elements 12 and 13 respectively disposed at different positions, and the magnetic induction elements 12 and 13 generate different voltage signals V1 and V2 corresponding to the magnetic element 11. Therefore, when the paper guide 91 moves the magnetic element 11 to different positions, and different magnetic induction elements 12 and 13 generate different voltage signals V1 and V2 corresponding to the magnetic element 11, the processing element 14 can determine the relative positions P1 and P2 of the magnetic element 11 with respect to the magnetic induction elements 12 and 13 based on these voltage signals V1 and V2, and thus accurately determine the position of the paper guide 91 equipped with the magnetic element 11. Compared to existing technologies that only detect "present" or "absent" signals, in the paper detection device 1 and its detection method of this embodiment, regardless of the location of the magnetic element 11, the processing element 14 can determine the relative position P1, P2 of the magnetic element 11 based on the voltage signals V1, V2 generated by the magnetic induction elements 12, 13. This avoids errors in signal determination and accurately determines the size of the paper that the paper guide 91 is against.

[0084] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a paper detection device 2 and a paper box 9 in cooperation with a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8A This is a schematic diagram of the paper detection device 2 in use according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8B This is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the relative positions of magnetic induction elements 22A~22E and magnetic element 21 and the voltage signal.

[0085] Please refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8A As shown, the paper detection device 2 in this embodiment differs from the paper detection device 1 described above in that the paper guide 91 is a paper guide that moves on both the left and right sides, and the number of magnetic induction elements 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, and 22E in the paper detection device 2 corresponds to the number of preset paper types. In this embodiment, the paper detection device 2 is described as having five magnetic induction elements 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, and 22E corresponding to paper sizes A3, B4, Letter, A4, and A5, respectively, but this is not a limitation.

[0086] It should be noted that because the magnetic induction elements 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, and 22E correspond to different paper sizes, the spacing between adjacent magnetic induction elements 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, and 22E is not the same. For example, the spacing between magnetic induction elements 22A and 22B is D1, between magnetic induction elements 22B and 22C is D2, between magnetic induction elements 22C and 22D is D3, and between magnetic induction elements 22D and 22E is D4. The spacings D1 to D4 are different from each other.

[0087] Furthermore, this embodiment uses one magnetic element 21 as an example for explanation, but it is not limiting; two or more magnetic elements can be provided depending on the design. The magnetic moment direction M1 (from the south pole S to the north pole N) of the magnetic element 21 is arranged such that the magnetic moment direction M1 is the same as the moving direction D of the paper guide 91 away from the side wall of the paper tray 9 (i.e., Figure 8A Let's take the movement direction D (to the left) as an example to illustrate.

[0088] Magnetic induction element 22A is disposed in paper tray 9 and corresponds to paper size A5. Magnetic induction element 22B is disposed in paper tray 9 and corresponds to paper size A4. Magnetic induction element 22C is disposed in paper tray 9 and corresponds to paper size Letter. Magnetic induction element 22D is disposed in paper tray 9 and corresponds to paper size B4. Magnetic induction element 22E is disposed in paper tray 9 and corresponds to paper size A3.

[0089] Please refer to Figure 8A and Figure 8B As shown, in some embodiments, the magnetic element 21 is, for example, a magnet. Table 1 below is, for example, a reference table of voltage signals V1, V2, V3, V4, and V5 generated by the magnetic induction elements 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, and 22E when the magnetic element 21 is moved to the magnetic induction elements 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, and 22E respectively. This is not a limitation, and different values ​​may be present depending on the different element specifications.

[0090] Table 1

[0091]

[0092] Therefore, when the user moves the paper guide 91 along the moving direction D within the paper tray 9 to press against the paper, the magnetic element 21 moves along with the paper guide 91. For example, when the magnetic induction element 22A corresponds to the output voltage signal V1 of the magnetic element 21 (e.g., 0.5V in Table 1), the magnetic induction element 22B corresponds to the output voltage signal V2 of the magnetic element 21 (e.g., 1.65V in Table 1), and the magnetic induction element 22C corresponds to the output voltage signal V3 of the magnetic element 21 (e.g., 3.2V in Table 1), based on the fact that the voltage signal V1 is less than the preset voltage signal (e.g., Vcc / 2, which can be 1.65V), the processing element 24 will determine that the magnetic element 21 is located to the right of the magnetic induction element 22A (e.g., ...). Figure 8A As shown, i.e., the side of magnetic induction element 22A closest to magnetic induction element 22B), based on voltage signal V2 being equal to a preset voltage signal, processing element 24 determines that magnetic element 21 is located near magnetic induction element 22B. Based on voltage signal V3 being greater than a preset voltage signal, processing element 24 determines that magnetic element 21 is located to the left of magnetic induction element 22C (e.g., the side of magnetic induction element 22A closest to magnetic induction element 22B). Figure 8A As shown, this refers to the side of magnetic induction element 22C that is closer to magnetic induction element 22B. In this way, processing element 24 can determine that the stationary position P is when magnetic element 21 is located at magnetic induction element 22B, based on the relative position of magnetic element 21 with respect to magnetic induction elements 22A~22C.

[0093] It should be noted that although the voltage signals V4 and V5 of the magnetic induction elements 22D and 22E are also equal to the preset voltage signals (e.g., Vcc / 2, which can be 1.65V), the processing element 24 can determine that the magnetic element 21 is not located on the left side of the magnetic induction element 22A because the voltage signal V3 can be used to determine that the magnetic element 21 is located on the left side of the magnetic induction element 22A.

[0094] It is worth mentioning that the magnetic element 21 may be located near the magnetic induction element 22B, for example, when the center line of the magnetic element 21 is aligned with the center line of the magnetic induction element 22B, or when the center line of the magnetic element 21 is at its shortest distance from the center line of the magnetic induction element 22B, or in other cases where the magnetic element 21 is near the magnetic induction element 22B and generates a voltage signal V2. This is not a limitation.

[0095] Therefore, when the processing element 24 determines that the stationary position P is the magnetic element 21 located at the magnetic induction element 22B based on the relative position of the magnetic element 21, the processing element 24 can determine that the paper size of the paper (not shown in the figure) that the paper guide 91 is against corresponds to the paper size defined by the position of the magnetic induction element 22B (e.g., paper size A4).

[0096] Specifically, the processing element 24 can determine the relative position of the magnetic element 21 based on the results in Table 1, and then determine the stationary position P of the magnetic element 21. The determination results can be summarized as shown in Table 2 below. That is, the processing element 24 can determine the location of the magnetic element 21 by determining that the magnetic element 21 is located on one side of the magnetic induction elements 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, and 22E, and use the set to determine the size of the paper that the paper guide 91 is against.

[0097] Table 2

[0098]

[0099] It should be noted that the above-mentioned left or right side corresponds to Figure 8A The leftward and rightward directions of the indicated movement direction D are explained.

[0100] As described above, the paper detection device 2 and its detection method of this embodiment utilize magnetic induction elements 22A~22E, corresponding to a preset number of paper types, respectively disposed at different positions. Each magnetic induction element 22A~22E generates different voltage signals V1~V5 corresponding to the magnetic element 21. Therefore, when the paper guide 91 moves the magnetic element 21 to different positions, and different magnetic induction elements 22A~22E generate different voltage signals V1~V5 corresponding to the magnetic element 21, the processing element 24 can determine the relative position of the magnetic element 21 with respect to the magnetic induction elements 22A~22E based on these voltage signals V1~V5, thereby accurately determining the position of the paper guide 91 equipped with the magnetic element 21. Compared to existing technologies that only detect "present" or "absent" signals, in the paper detection device 2 and its detection method of this embodiment, regardless of the location of the magnetic element 21, the processing element 24 can determine the relative position of the magnetic element 21 based on the voltage signals V1 to V5 generated by the magnetic induction elements 22A to 22E. This avoids errors in signal determination and accurately determines the size of the paper that the paper guide 91 is against.

[0101] Figure 9A This is a schematic diagram of the paper detection device 3 in use according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9B This is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the relative positions of magnetic induction elements 32A~32E and magnetic element 31 and the voltage signal.

[0102] Please refer to Figure 9A and Figure 9B As shown, the paper detection device 3 in this embodiment differs from the paper detection device 2 described above in that the magnetic moment direction M2 of the magnetic element 31 (pointing from the south pole S to the north pole N) is the same as the moving direction D of the paper guide 91 towards the side wall of the paper tray 9 (i.e., Figure 9A (Moving direction D to the right).

[0103] The magnetic induction elements 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D, and 32E are arranged in a similar manner to magnetic induction elements 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, and 22E, and will not be described in detail here.

[0104] In some embodiments, Table 3 below is, for example, a reference table of voltage signals V1, V2, V3, V4, and V5 generated by magnetic induction elements 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D, and 32E when the magnetic element 31 is moved to the magnetic induction elements 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D, and 32E respectively. It is not limiting and may have different values ​​depending on the different element specifications.

[0105] Table 3

[0106]

[0107] In other words, because the magnetic moment direction M2 of the magnetic element 31 is different from the aforementioned magnetic moment direction M1 (e.g., Figure 8A Conversely, the method for determining whether voltage signals V1~V5 correspond to preset voltage signals is also the opposite of the method described in the second embodiment.

[0108] Therefore, when the user moves the paper guide 91 along the moving direction D within the paper tray 9 to press against the paper, the magnetic element 31 will move along with the paper guide 91. For example, when the magnetic induction element 32A corresponds to the output voltage signal V1 of the magnetic element 31 (e.g., 3V in Table 3), the magnetic induction element 32B corresponds to the output voltage signal V2 of the magnetic element 31 (e.g., 1.65V in Table 3), and the magnetic induction element 32C corresponds to the output voltage signal V3 of the magnetic element 31 (e.g., 0.2V in Table 3), based on the fact that the voltage signal V1 is greater than the preset voltage signal (e.g., Vcc / 2, which can be 1.65V), the processing element 34 will determine that the magnetic element 31 is located to the right of the magnetic induction element 32A (e.g., ...). Figure 9A As shown, i.e., the side of magnetic induction element 32A closer to magnetic induction element 32B), based on voltage signal V2 being equal to a preset voltage signal, processing element 34 determines that magnetic element 31 is located near magnetic induction element 32B. Based on voltage signal V3 being less than a preset voltage signal, processing element 34 determines that magnetic element 31 is located to the left of magnetic induction element 32C (e.g., the side of magnetic induction element 32A closer to magnetic induction element 32B). Figure 9A As shown, this refers to the side of magnetic induction element 32C closest to magnetic induction element 32B. In this way, processing element 34 can determine, based on the relative position of magnetic element 31 with respect to magnetic induction elements 32A~32C, that the stationary position P is when magnetic element 31 is located near magnetic induction element 32B.

[0109] Similarly, although the voltage signals V4 and V5 of the magnetic induction elements 32D and 32E are also equal to the preset voltage signals (e.g., Vcc / 2, which can be 1.65V), the processing element 34 can determine that the magnetic element 31 is not located on the left side of the magnetic induction element 32A because the voltage signal V3 can be used to determine that the magnetic element 31 is located on the left side of the magnetic induction element 32A.

[0110] Therefore, when the processing element 34 determines that the stationary position P is the magnetic element 31 located at the magnetic induction element 32B based on the relative position of the magnetic element 31, the processing element 34 can determine that the paper size of the paper (not shown in the figure) that the paper guide 91 is against corresponds to the paper size defined by the position of the magnetic induction element 32B (e.g., paper size A4).

[0111] Specifically, similarly, the processing element 34 can determine the relative position of the magnetic element 31 based on the results in Table 3, and then determine the stationary position P of the magnetic element 31. The determination results can be summarized as in Table 2, that is, the processing element 34 can determine the location of the magnetic element 31 by determining that the magnetic element 31 is located on one side of the magnetic induction elements 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D, and 32E, and use the set to determine the size of the paper that the paper guide 91 is against.

[0112] As described above, in the paper detection device 3 and its detection method of this embodiment, regardless of the location of the magnetic element 31, the processing element 34 can determine the relative position of the magnetic element 31 based on the voltage signals V1 to V5 generated by the magnetic induction elements 32A to 32E. This avoids errors in signal determination and allows for accurate determination of the paper size abutted by the paper guide 91. Furthermore, by arranging the magnetic moment direction of the magnetic element 31 in different ways, the design freedom of the paper detection device 3 and its detection method of this embodiment can be increased.

[0113] Figure 10A This is a schematic diagram of the paper detection device 4 in use according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10B This is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the relative positions of magnetic induction elements 42A~42E and magnetic element 41 and the voltage signal.

[0114] Please refer to Figure 10A and Figure 10BAs shown, the paper detection device 4 in this embodiment differs from the paper detection device 2 described above in that the spacing between adjacent magnetic induction elements 42A, 42B, 42C, 42D, and 42E is the same. For example, the spacing between magnetic induction elements 42A and 42B is D1, between magnetic induction elements 42B and 42C is D2, between magnetic induction elements 42C and 42D is D3, and between magnetic induction elements 42D and 42E is D4. Spacings D1 to D4 are the same for each other. In this embodiment, the paper detection device 4 is described as having five magnetic induction elements 42A, 42B, 42C, 42D, and 42E as an example. However, this is not a limitation, and more than two magnetic induction elements can be provided depending on the design. In addition, the distance between spacings D1 to D4 is not limited; here, 10mm is used as an example.

[0115] The magnetic moment direction M1 of the magnetic element 41 is arranged such that the magnetic moment direction M1 is the same as the moving direction D of the paper guide 91 away from the side wall of the paper tray 9 (i.e., Figure 10A Let's take the movement direction D (to the left) as an example to illustrate.

[0116] In some embodiments, Table 4 below is, for example, a comparison table of voltage signals V1 to V5 generated by magnetic induction elements 42A-42E at different distances between magnetic element 41 and any of the magnetic induction elements 42A-42E. This is not limiting, and different values ​​may exist depending on the component specifications. It should be noted that a negative distance indicates that magnetic element 41 is to the left of magnetic induction elements 42A-42E (…). Figure 10A The direction of movement D is to the left, and a positive distance indicates that magnetic element 41 is to the right of magnetic induction elements 42A~42E. Figure 10A (Indicates the rightward movement direction D).

[0117] Table 4

[0118]

[0119] Therefore, when the user moves the paper guide 91 along the moving direction D within the paper tray 9, the magnetic element 41 moves along with the paper guide 91. The following explanation uses the example of the magnetic element 41 being between magnetic induction elements 42A and 42B to illustrate the determination method of the processing element 44. When the magnetic element 41 is between magnetic induction elements 42A and 42B, the voltage signals V1 to V5 output by magnetic induction elements 42A to 42E corresponding to the magnetic element 41 are shown in Table 5 below. Here, six segments (i.e., the positioning positions 42A-1 to 42A-5 between magnetic induction elements 42A and 42B are further subdivided into five) are used as an example. This is not a limitation; the distances D1 to D4 between magnetic induction elements 42A to 42E can be divided into different numbers of segments as needed. For example, the distances D1 to D4 between magnetic induction elements 42A to 42E can also be divided into smaller segments (e.g., more than five positioning positions) to make the position determination of the magnetic element 41 more accurate.

[0120] Table 5

[0121]

[0122] For example, when magnetic element 41 is located at position 42A-3, the output voltage signal V1 of magnetic element 41 corresponding to magnetic element 42A is 0.3V, and the output voltage signal V2 of magnetic element 21 corresponding to magnetic element 42B is 3.1V. Based on the fact that voltage signal V1 is less than a preset voltage signal (e.g., Vcc / 2, which could be 1.65V), processing element 44 will determine that magnetic element 41 is located to the right of magnetic element 42A (e.g., ...). Figure 10A As shown, i.e., the side of magnetic induction element 42A closer to magnetic induction element 42B), based on the voltage signal V2 being greater than the preset voltage signal, processing element 44 will determine that magnetic element 41 is located to the left of magnetic induction element 42B (e.g., Figure 10A As shown, this is the side of magnetic induction element 42B closest to magnetic induction element 42A. In this way, processing element 44 can first determine that the stationary position P is when magnetic element 41 is located between magnetic induction element 42A and magnetic induction element 42B.

[0123] Furthermore, based on the voltage signal V1 being 0.3V, processing element 44 can determine, according to Table 4 above, that the magnetic element 41 is located approximately 5mm to the right of the magnetic induction element 42A (Table 4 indicates 5mm corresponds to 0.26V) or 7.5mm to the right (Table 4 indicates 7.5mm also corresponds to 0.26V). Based on the voltage signal V2 being 3.1V, processing element 44 can determine, according to Table 4 above, that the magnetic element 41 is located approximately 5mm to the left of the magnetic induction element 42B (Table 4 indicates -5mm corresponds to 3.09V) or 6.88mm to the left (Table 4 indicates -6.88mm also corresponds to 3.09V). Thus, processing element 44 can determine, through logical comparison, that the stationary position P is the position where the magnetic element 41 is located 5mm to the right of the magnetic induction element 42A and 5mm to the left of the magnetic induction element 42B (i.e., position 42A-3).

[0124] Therefore, when the processing element 44 determines the distance of the stationary position P of the magnetic element 41 relative to the different magnetic induction elements 42A~42E based on the output voltage signals V1~V5 of the magnetic induction elements 42A~42E, the processing element 44 can determine the position of the paper guide 91 and determine the paper size of the paper being pushed against based on the distance setting.

[0125] As described above, the paper detection device 4 and its detection method in this embodiment do not require setting up a number of magnetic induction elements 42A~42E corresponding to a preset paper type. Instead, fewer magnetic induction elements 42A~42E are used. Different magnetic induction elements 42A~42E generate different voltage signals V1~V5 corresponding to magnetic element 41. The processing element 44 can determine the relative position of magnetic element 41 with respect to magnetic induction elements 42A~42E based on these voltage signals V1~V5, and thus accurately determine the position of the paper guide 91 equipped with magnetic element 21. In this way, in addition to avoiding signal determination errors and accurately determining the paper size abutted by the paper guide 91, the overall cost can also be reduced.

[0126] In summary, the paper detection device and method of the present invention utilize at least two magnetic induction elements disposed at different positions, and each magnetic induction element generates a different voltage signal corresponding to a magnetic element. Therefore, when the paper guide moves the magnetic element to different positions, and different magnetic induction elements generate different voltage signals corresponding to the magnetic element, the processing element can determine the relative position of the magnetic element with respect to the magnetic induction elements based on these voltage signals, thus accurately determining the location of the paper guide with the magnetic element. Compared to existing technologies that only detect "present" or "absent" signals, in the paper detection device and method of the present invention, regardless of the location of the magnetic element, the processing element can determine the relative position of the magnetic element based on the voltage signal generated by the magnetic induction element, thereby avoiding signal determination errors and accurately determining the size of the paper being pressed against by the paper guide.

[0127] Furthermore, the paper detection device and method of the present invention can increase the design freedom of the paper detection device and method by setting different magnetic moment directions of the magnetic elements. Also, the paper detection device and method of the present invention do not require setting a number of magnetic sensing elements corresponding to a preset paper type; instead, fewer magnetic sensing elements can be used to reduce the overall cost.

[0128] Of course, the present invention may have other various embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various corresponding changes and modifications according to the present invention, but these corresponding changes and modifications should all fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A paper detection device, which cooperates with a paper tray having a paper guide, characterized in that, The paper detection device includes: A magnetic element is disposed on the paper guide; A first magnetic induction element is disposed in the paper box, and a first voltage signal is generated corresponding to the magnetic element; A second magnetic induction element is disposed in the paper box and spaced apart from the first magnetic induction element, and generates a second voltage signal corresponding to the magnetic element; A processing element is electrically connected to the first magnetic sensing element and the second magnetic sensing element, and receives the first voltage signal and the second voltage signal; and A third magnetic sensing element is disposed in the paper tray and spaced apart from the second magnetic sensing element. The second magnetic sensing element is located between the first and third magnetic sensing elements. Specifically, the processing element determines a first relative position of the magnetic element relative to the first magnetic induction element based on the first voltage signal, and determines a second relative position of the magnetic element relative to the second magnetic induction element based on the second voltage signal. The processing element determines a stationary position of the magnetic element based on the first relative position and the second relative position, and determines the size of the paper being pressed against by the paper guide based on the stationary position. The first distance between the first magnetic induction element and the second magnetic induction element is different from the second distance between the second magnetic induction element and the third magnetic induction element.

2. The paper detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the first voltage signal corresponds to a preset voltage signal, the processing element determines that the first relative position is that the magnetic element is located on the first magnetic induction element, and the second relative position is that the magnetic element is located on the side of the second magnetic induction element closer to the first magnetic induction element. Based on the first relative position and the second relative position, the processing element determines that the stationary position is the magnetic element located at the first magnetic induction element.

3. The paper detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The third magnetic induction element generates a third voltage signal corresponding to the magnetic element. The processing element determines a third relative position of the magnetic element relative to the third magnetic induction element based on the third voltage signal, and determines the stationary position of the magnetic element based on the first relative position, the second relative position and the third relative position.

4. The paper detection device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, When the second voltage signal corresponds to a preset voltage signal, the processing element determines that the first relative position is when the magnetic element is located on the side of the first magnetic induction element closer to the second magnetic induction element, the second relative position is when the magnetic element is located on the side of the second magnetic induction element, and the third relative position is when the magnetic element is located on the side of the third magnetic induction element closer to the second magnetic induction element. The processing element determines that the stationary position is where the magnetic element is located in the second magnetic induction element.

Images