Scanner-Based Print Media Size and Color Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing devices face challenges in accurately detecting non-standard paper sizes and colors due to limitations in media sensors, often requiring user intervention and providing inadequate granularity, especially when paper guides are not properly adjusted.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a document scanner connected to the processor, which allows users to scan print media for precise size and color detection, and automatically feeds the paper to the scanner for accurate characterization, including orientation, tabs, and pre-printed marks, thereby enhancing the detection of non-standard media attributes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tray sensors are used to detect media size, then standard media sizes can be detected, but non-standard sheet size detection is problematic and measurement precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical tray sensors with an optical document scanner to detect media size. The scanner captures an image of the media, and image processing algorithms determine the media dimensions, providing both high precision for standard sizes and versatility for non-standard sizes without the limitations of mechanical sensor positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a document scanner as an intermediary device between the user and the media detection system. Instead of directly using tray sensors that have fixed detection zones, the scanner captures visual information that is then processed to determine media characteristics, serving as a mediator that bridges the gap between standard sensor limitations and diverse media detection needs.
2Ease of operation
If tray sensors are used to detect media type, then basic media detection can be performed, but detection granularity is insufficient and user intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical tray sensors with an optical document scanner for media type detection. The scanner captures images that are analyzed to determine media characteristics such as color, texture, and special features (tabs, holes, marks), providing automatic detection with high precision without requiring user intervention or manual adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the document scanner to create a visual copy (image) of the media, which is then analyzed to determine media type characteristics. This copying approach allows for comprehensive analysis of media properties without physical contact or mechanical interaction, enabling precise automatic detection of various media types including special features.
3Measurement precision
If document scanner is used for media detection, then pixel-level accuracy for size and color detection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the document scanner's multi-functionality, using it for both its primary purpose (scanning documents) and media detection. This universal approach allows the same device to serve multiple functions, reducing the need for separate specialized sensors and minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving high precision detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the media detection function with the existing document scanner functionality. Instead of adding separate specialized sensors for media detection, the system combines these functions by using the scanner for both document scanning and media characterization, thereby achieving high precision detection while minimizing additional device complexity.
4Ease of operation
If bypass path with automatic sheet feeding is used, then user operation is simplified, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection using the tray sensors to determine if media detection is needed. Only when the tray sensors indicate that detection is necessary does the system activate the bypass path and document scanner, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining ease of operation when detection is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic action by activating the bypass path and scanner only when needed, rather than continuously. The tray sensors trigger the scanning process based on detected media characteristics, creating a periodic activation pattern that balances ease of operation with energy efficiency by avoiding continuous scanner operation.
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 provides pixel-level accuracy for size and color detection, minimizes user errors, and allows for a broader range of color recognition, improving the handling of non-standard paper sizes and colors, and automatically records media characteristics for precise print job preparation.
Implementation Method 1
generate an electronic image of the sheet of print media from the scanning of the sheet of print media
Data Source
AI summary
A user interface of a printer displays instructions to use the printer's document scanner for scanning a sheet of print media (of a stack of print media being added to the paper drawer) in response to a drawer sensor detecting the opening of the paper drawer. The document scanner generates an electronic image of the sheet of print media from the scanning of the sheet of print media. The processor evaluates the electronic image of the sheet of print media to identify the media type and color of the stack of print media being added to the paper drawer. For example, this is done by evaluating the size, color characteristic, transparency, and reflection characteristic of the electronic image of the sheet of print media. Then, the electronic memory records that the paper drawer contains the stack of print media having a specific media type and color.