Single Optical Sensor for Printer Jam and Cover Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printers are costly due to the need for separate and durable switches to detect paper presence, paper movement, and cover status, which complicates design and reduces reliability, especially in point-of-sale printers where paper jams can cause damage and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A single optical sensor is used to detect paper jam, out-of-paper, and cover open conditions, providing a unified interface that reduces hardware costs and improves reliability by using a light source and CMOS sensors to track paper movement and detect patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate durable switches are used to detect paper presence, paper movement, and cover status, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions (paper presence detection, paper movement detection, and cover status detection) into a single optical sensor assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the ability to detect all three conditions reliably through a unified sensing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor assembly is designed to perform multiple detection functions simultaneously - detecting whether paper is present, whether paper is moving, and whether the cover is open or closed. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated switches for each detection task.
2Reliability
If separate durable switches are used to detect paper presence, paper movement, and cover status, then detection reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions (paper presence detection, paper movement detection, and cover status detection) into a single optical sensor assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the ability to detect all three conditions reliably through a unified sensing mechanism.
3Device complexity
If a single optical sensor is used to detect multiple conditions, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor assembly is segmented into distinct functional components - a light source for illumination, a CMOS sensor for detection, and separate detection circuits for analyzing different signal patterns. This segmentation within the unified assembly allows each component to perform its specific function with high precision while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the optical signals to differentiate between various conditions. By analyzing changes in light reflection patterns, intensity, and timing, the single optical sensor assembly can precisely distinguish between paper presence, paper movement, and cover status without compromising measurement accuracy.
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
The single optical sensor effectively reduces printer costs and enhances reliability by detecting multiple conditions, preventing damage and operational issues, such as paper jams and overheating, while maintaining printer functionality.
Implementation Method 1
A single optical sensor effectively reduces printer costs and enhances reliability by detecting multiple conditions
Implementation Method 2
A single optical sensor is used to detect paper jam, out-of-paper, and cover open conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method, data processing system, and computer usable program code are provided for detecting printer conditions. A set of signals are received from a sensor in a printer. A current state of the printer from a plurality of states is detected within the set of signals. Responsive to the current state being a selected state, a response signal is sent to the printer based on a policy. The response signal is a printer condition, which may be a paper jam, out-of-paper, or a cover open condition.