Printer Orientation Error Detection Using Edge Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Printing apparatuses face usability issues when print media with short-side lengths smaller than the inter-roller distance are incorrectly oriented, leading to media being left behind between rollers, as users struggle to identify and rectify this issue without additional sensors.

Innovation Solution

A printing apparatus equipped with a storage unit for size information, edge detection sensors, and a control unit that identifies orientation errors based on sensor data and size information, issuing error messages to guide users in correcting the orientation and ejecting stuck media.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the inter-roller distance is set equal to or smaller than the longitudinal length of a minimum size print medium, then the print medium can be conveyed between neighboring rollers, but print media with short-side lengths smaller than the inter-roller distance cannot be properly conveyed when incorrectly oriented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for various print media sizesVSAvoidconveyance reliability of incorrectly oriented media

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs preliminary detection of print medium orientation before conveyance by comparing the detected short-side direction with the conveyance direction, and issues an error message to prevent conveyance of incorrectly oriented media, thereby avoiding the problem of media being left behind between rollers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If two sensors are arranged on the print medium loading surface to detect incorrect setting, then incorrect orientation can be detected, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracy of print medium orientationVSAvoidnumber of sensors required

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The existing first sensor, originally designed for detecting the leading edge of print media for conveyance control, is repurposed to also detect print medium orientation by determining whether the detected edge corresponds to the short-side or long-side direction, thereby eliminating the need for additional dedicated orientation detection sensors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own existing sensor and processing capabilities to detect orientation errors, rather than requiring external or additional specialized sensors, making the system self-sufficient for orientation detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a method is provided to push out left-behind media by feeding a correctly oriented print medium, then the conveyance problem is solved, but the usability is lowered as users must consult manuals or customer center

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresolution of left-behind mediaVSAvoiduser awareness of correction method

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit provides immediate feedback to the user by issuing an error message when incorrect orientation is detected, clearly indicating the problem and guiding the user to correct the orientation before conveyance, making the correction method obvious and accessible without requiring manual consultation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enhances usability by notifying users of incorrect settings and facilitating the correction of print medium orientation, thereby preventing media from being left behind and improving the overall handling process.

Implementation Method 1

a first sensor configured to detect an edge of the print medium being conveyed by the rollers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection:

Data Source

PatentUS20240109287A1Printing apparatus, control method, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2024.04.04 CANON KK

AI summary

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a printing apparatus with usability prevented from being lowered. An embodiment of the present disclosure is a printing apparatus including: a storage unit configured to store size information of a print medium; a plurality of rollers arranged in a conveyance path of a print medium and configured to convey the print medium; a first sensor configured to detect an edge of the print medium being conveyed by the rollers; and a control unit configured to execute processing for identifying an error occurring in the conveyance of the print medium. The control unit issues a first error concerning an orientation of the print medium based on a detection result of the first sensor and the size information stored in the storage unit.