Security Paper Sensor Integrated in Feeding Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printers for security paper require a separate structure on the cassette, leading to interference issues and the inability to use manual trays, as they struggle to distinguish between security paper and normal paper effectively.
Innovation Solution
A printer with a security paper sensor integrated into the printing paper feeding path, utilizing a control unit to compare sensing values to determine if the paper is security or normal paper, allowing for accurate differentiation without a separate cassette structure, and enabling operation with manual trays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate structure is disposed on a common cassette to sense security paper, then security paper detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases and manual tray function becomes unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the security paper detection function with the existing paper feeding path structure. The sensor is integrated into the feeding path where papers naturally pass through, eliminating the need for separate detection structures on the cassette. This combining approach maintains detection capability while reducing overall device complexity and preserving manual tray functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The paper feeding path structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it feeds both security paper and normal paper, and simultaneously provides the detection function for security paper. By making the feeding path multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate detection structures and maintains compatibility with manual trays while achieving security paper identification.
2Measurement precision
If a sensor is disposed on a cassette to detect security paper, then security paper identification is improved, but interference between stacked sheets interrupts sensor operation
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is positioned in the feeding path to detect security paper characteristics before the paper is fully fed into the printing mechanism. By performing detection at this preliminary stage when the paper is passing through the feeding path individually, the system avoids interference from stacked sheets while maintaining reliable security paper identification.
3Measurement precision
If a separate moving mechanism is added to move a sensor for determining security paper, then security paper detection is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor leverages the natural movement of paper through the feeding path to perform detection. As papers are automatically fed through the path during normal operation, they pass by the sensor which detects their security characteristics. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate moving mechanisms, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining detection precision.
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
Enables seamless differentiation between security and normal paper within a common multifunction printer, allowing for controlled printing operations without additional cassette structures and supporting manual tray functions.
Implementation Method 1
a security paper sensor for sensing whether printing paper being fed is security paper
Data Source
AI summary
A printer for security paper, such as a multifunction printer, a printer, a facsimile machine or a copier, is configured to perform a printing operation by distinguishing between security paper and normal paper. The printer for security paper includes: a security paper sensor disposed on a printing paper feeding path; and a control unit for comparing a first sensing value sensed by the security paper sensor when printing paper to be determined is not present near the security paper sensor with one or more second sensing values sensed by the security paper sensor for the corresponding printing paper on the feeding path, during the course of conveying the corresponding printing paper on the feeding path, determining printing paper as security paper when a comparison value is above a predefined reference value, and determining printing paper as normal paper when the comparison value is below the predefined reference value.