Printer Paper Size Detection via Conveyance Cycle Counting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing systems face challenges in accurately identifying and registering paper sizes in paper feed ports, especially when multiple sizes have similar widths, leading to increased costs and complexity with sensor implementations.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus equipped with a conveyance unit, a first detection unit for measuring paper length along the conveyance direction, and a second detection unit for measuring paper width, allowing for the registration of paper size based on test pattern printing and existing sensor mechanisms, eliminating the need for additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is provided to automatically and uniquely identify paper size, then paper size identification accuracy is improved, but apparatus cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the conveyance unit perform multiple functions: it both conveys paper for printing and measures paper length by counting conveyance cycles. This eliminates the need for separate measurement sensors, reducing cost while maintaining measurement capability through the existing mechanical conveyance system
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own conveyance mechanism to perform measurement functions. By counting the number of conveyance cycles required to move the paper through the system, the apparatus self-determines paper length without external measurement devices, achieving self-service measurement
2Device complexity
If a simple sensor is provided to detect paper, then apparatus cost is reduced, but paper size identification accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-dimension width-based detection to two-dimensional measurement by combining width detection (via sensor) with length detection (via conveyance cycle counting). This dimensional expansion enables accurate identification of paper sizes with similar widths but different lengths
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by counting conveyance cycles and using this information to determine paper length. The control unit processes the cycle count feedback to identify paper size, transforming simple conveyance motion into precise measurement data
3Device complexity
If paper size is manually registered by user, then apparatus complexity is reduced, but operation time and user burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus performs automatic paper size registration by measuring paper dimensions through conveyance cycle counting and sensor detection. The system serves itself by automatically identifying and registering paper sizes without requiring user intervention, eliminating time loss while maintaining simple apparatus structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurement and registration of paper size before printing operations begin. By pre-measuring paper dimensions and registering the size, the apparatus prepares necessary information in advance, eliminating the need for manual registration during operation
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus for printing an image on paper includes first and second units, and a registration unit. The first unit detects a first length, along a predetermined conveyance direction, of paper conveyed from a feed port. The second unit detects a second length, along a direction intersecting with the predetermined conveyance direction, of the paper set in the feed port. The registration unit registers a size corresponding to the first and the second lengths of the paper set in the feed port, based on second unit detection. The first unit detects the first length of first paper conveyed to print a predetermined test pattern before second paper is set in the feed port. The registration unit registers a regular size based on a result of first unit detection on the first paper from among regular sizes corresponding to a result of second unit detection on the second paper.