Feeder Tray Side Guide Position Detection Using Sloped Shape Marker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional feeder tray systems in image production devices lack accurate feedback for side guide position, relying on operator placement, discreet sensing, or encoder controls, which are either non-continuous, approximate, or require frequent homing routines, limiting the precision in determining media size.
Innovation Solution
A method using a continuously variable sloped shape marker and a low-cost contact image sensor (CIS) to detect the position of adjustable feeder tray side guides, providing accurate and continuous feedback without the need for homing operations, by mounting the sensor perpendicular to a triangular decal on the feeder tray.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If encoder sensing is used to provide accurate side guide position feedback, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to required homing routines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the homing routine requirement from the encoder system by using a separate reference mark on the tray itself. The sensor detects this reference mark to establish absolute position without needing to return to a home position, eliminating the complex homing sequence while maintaining encoder-level precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reference mark as an intermediary element between the tray and the sensor. This reference mark serves as a mediator that provides absolute position information to the sensor, allowing the system to determine tray position without the complexity of encoder homing routines.
2Device complexity
If discreet sensing is used to detect side guide position, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to non-continuous sensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/discreet sensing approach with an optical sensing system. The optical sensor detects the reference mark's position continuously, providing precise measurement without the complexity of multiple discrete sensors or mechanical linkages.
3Device complexity
If operator placement is used for side guide positioning, then device complexity is minimized, but measurement precision is lost due to lack of sensing feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the tray itself provides the reference information through the reference mark. The sensor automatically detects this mark to determine position, eliminating the need for operator placement while providing continuous feedback without complex external sensing systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution offers precise and cost-effective media size detection, reducing complexity and eliminating the need for homing operations, while improving positional accuracy and sensor availability across various image production devices.
Implementation Method 1
detecting an amount of a continuously variable sloped shape marker
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for determining the position of adjustable feeder tray side guides in an image production device is disclosed. The method may include detecting an amount of a continuously variable sloped shape marker, determining a position of the adjustable feeder tray side guide of a feeder tray based on the detected amount of the continuously variable sloped shape marker, and outputting the determined position of the adjustable feeder tray side guide of a feeder tray to a user interface of the image production device.