`
`EXHIBIT
`
`EXHIBIT
`DSS-2006
`
`DSS-2 006
`
`

`
`(12) United States Patent
`(12) United States Patent
`Bolash et a1.
`Bolash et al.
`
`(10) Patent N0.:
`(10) Patent N0.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,049,620 B2
`US 7,049,620 B2
`May 23, 2006
`May 23, 2006
`
`US007049620B2
`US007049620B2
`
`5/1978 Lucas et al.
`................ .. 356/73
`4,092,068 A
`5/1978 Lucas et a1. ................ .. 356/73
`4,092,068 A
`10/1982 Ishida ......... ..
`250/559
`4,352,988 A
`4,352,988 A l0/l982 Ishida ..... ..
`250/559
`4,525,630 A
`6/1985 Chapman ..... ..
`250/572
`4,525,630 A
`6/1985 Chapman ..... ..
`250/572
`4,540,887 A
`9/1985 Mlnerd et-al.
`250/561
`: 13; gigerd :31 -
`4,545,031 A 10/1985 K0bayash1
`364/900
`4,578,770 A
`3/1986 Mitefiyias I
`364/571
`4,578,770 A
`3/1986 Mitani ..... ..
`364/571
`4:642:456 A
`2/1987 Watanabeuiiim
`.: 250/223
`4,642,456 A
`2/1987 Watanabe ..
`250/223
`4,642,457 A
`2/1987 Watanabe
`250/223
`4,642,457 A
`2/1987 Watanabe ..
`250/223
`4,673,818 A
`6/1987 Guerra ........... ..
`250/571
`4,673,818 A
`6/1987 Guerra ........... ..
`250/571
`4,929,844 A
`5/1990 Houjiyou et al.
`.
`250/561
`4,929,844 A
`5/1990 Houjiyou et al. .
`250/561
`4,945,253 A
`7/1990 Frohardt
`......... ..
`250/571
`4,945,253 A
`7/1990 Frohardt ......... ..
`250/571
`,
`,
`/
`1.
`.
`/
`4,954,846 A
`9/1990 MatSuO et al. .
`399/51
`2
`A 9/ gl:t1:i11(())riet..é.1................ ..
`4,958,069 A
`9/1990 Okamori ................... .. 250/223
`4,963,731 A
`10/1990 King ........................ .. 250/560
`4,963,731 A 10/1990 King ........................ .. 250/560
`4,970,544 A
`11/1990 Furusawa et al.
`.
`355/24
`4,970,544 A 11/1990 FuruSaWa et al. .
`355/24
`4,985,636 A
`1/1991 Fukui et al.
`.............. .. 250/559
`4,985,636 A
`l/l99l Fukui et a1. ........ ..
`250/559
`4,989,985 A
`2/1991 Hubble, III et a1. ..
`356/445
`23:23:21:
`513:: ii in
`:22/2::
`,
`,
`organ .................... ..
`5,046,851 A
`9/1991 Morgan .................... .. 356/375
`5,084,627 A
`l/l992 Ueki et al. ................ .. 250/561
`223212;; 2
`713:: 3:5?‘
`////////////////~ :23/:21
`5,225,688 A
`7/1993 Endo .............. ..
`250/560
`5,250,813 A l0/l993 Takahashi et al. ........ .. 250/561
`3:323:23 2
`11/1333 E”5$.%:ii21;‘eaé1;1i"::::: 328/33;
`5,262,637 A 11/1993 Cumberledge et al.
`250/223
`(Continued)
`(Continued)
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`1034937 A2
`9/2000
`1034937 A2
`9/2000
`.
`(Continued)
`(Contmued)
`Primary ExamineriStephone B. Allen
`Primary Examiner—Stephone B. Allen
`Assistant Examiner—SueZu Ellis
`Assistant ExamineriSueZu Ellis
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or FirmiTaylor & Aust, P.C.
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Taylor & Aust, P.C.
`
`
`
`
`
`EP
`EP
`
`(57)
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`ABSTRACT
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`A method of correcting for sensitivity variation of media
`A me‘h9d Of °°”e°““3 1.“ Se“S‘“V.“y Va“a“°“ °f med”
`sensors includes determining a ?rst signal level correspond
`sensors iniciludes ilitermining afirit signal leg/el correspondj
`ing to a ?rst calibration media having a ?rst glossiness;
`gig to ‘a.
`st cai réltion me 1211 aving a drst g ossinessd,
`determining a second signal level corresponding to a second
`etermining a secon signa
`eve correspon ing to a secon
`calibration media having a second glossiness, the second
`calibration media having a second glossiness, the second
`glossiness being greater than the ?rst glossiness; and deter
`glossiness being greater than the first glossiness; and deter-
`mining a corrected normalized signal
`level ratio of an
`mining a corrected normalized signal level ratio of an
`111m
`‘1 b d
`11
`11
`‘g 1 1
`1 f 11
`11
`unknown media based on the first signal level of the first
`u oWn me 1a ase ont e rst 51 na eve o t e rst
`calibration media and the second signal level of the second
`calibration media and the second signal level of the second
`calibration media.
`calibration media.
`
`5 Claims, 8 Drawing Sheets
`5 Claims, 8 Drawing Sheets
`
`(54) MEDIA TYPE SENSING METHOD FOR AN
`(54) MEDIA TYPE SENSING METHOD FOR AN
`IMAGING APPARATUS
`IMAGING APPARATUS
`
`('75) Inventors: John Philip Bolash, Lexington’ KY
`(75)
`Inventors: John Philip Bolash, Lexington, KY
`(Us), Mahesan chelvayohan
`(US); Mahesa“ Chelvawhan’
`.’
`_
`.
`’
`Lexington’
`(US); Patrick Laurence
`Lexmgton’
`(U81 Pamck Laurence
`Kmgers Versallless KY (US)
`Kroger’ Versalnes, KY (Us)
`.
`_
`_
`_
`(73) Assigneei Lexlnark Internationals Inc-s
`(73) Asslgneei LeXrnark Internatlonal, Inc-s
`Lexington, KY (US)
`LeXmgTOn, KY (Us)
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 15403) by () days.
`U_S_C_ 154(1)) by 0 day5_
`
`( * ) Notice:
`( * ) Notice:
`
`(21) Appl_ No: 11/098,702
`<2»
`.
`'
`<2»
`(22) Med‘
`<69
`(65)
`
`is
`Apr‘ 5’ 2005
`.
`.
`.
`Prior Publication Data
`P1101 Pubhcatlon Data
`US 2005/0201223 A1
`Sep. 15, 2005
`US 2005/0201223 A1
`Sep. 15, 2005
`Related U.S. Application Data
`Related US. Application Data
`(62) Division of application No. 10/342,786, filed on Jan.
`(62) Division of application No. 10/342,786, ?led on Jan.
`15, 2003, HOW Pat. NO. 6,900,449.
`15, 2003, now Pat. No. 6,900,449.
`
`(51) Int- Cl-
`(51)
`Int CL
`(200601)
`G01N 21/86
`(2006-01)
`G01N 21/86
`$006013
`G01V 8/00
`(200601)
`G01V 8/00
`(2006.01)
`B41] 29/393
`2006.01
`B41] 29/393
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`......................... .. 250/559.16; 250/559.18;
`(52) US. Cl. ......................... .. 250/559.16; 250/559.l8;
`347/ 19
`347/19
`(58) Field of Classi?cation Search
`250/
`(58) Field of Classification Search ..................... .. 250/
`559 16559 18, 356/447/1 4
`559.16_559.18; 356/445, 446’ 448; 347/143
`3'47/16 1'9 105 106, ’101/;‘84_ ’400/708’
`347/16, 19’ 105, 106; 101/484; 400/708,
`‘mo/624L633 2, B99/Z‘5 389, 571058 01’
`400/624i633.2; 399/45, 389; 271/258.01,
`'
`’
`’
`’ 271/265 01’
`271/265.01
`See application ?le for Complete Search history '
`See application file for Complete Search history.
`'
`
`(56)
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`References Cited
`-
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`US. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`1/1978 Pearce et al.
`................ .. 328/5
`4,066,969 A
`4,066,969 A
`1/1978 Pearce et al. ................ .. 328/5
`
`44
`
`40
`
`
`
`

`
`US 7,049,620 B2
`US 7,049,620 B2
`Page 2
`Page 2
`
`7/2001 Elgee etal.
`........... .. 250/559.4
`6,255,665 B1
`7/2001 Elgee et a1. ........... .. 250/5594
`6,255,665 B1
`lggfifii
`gfifigéi :1
`€/1:1‘: et 31‘ """""" 2503/:3/913:
`9/2001 Allen et a1‘ """"" " 250/559'07
`6291329 B1
`_
`“er """"""""""""" "
`5
`5
`12/2001 Walker ..................... .. 347/105
`6,325,505 B1
`2/2002 K}”1J_”“a ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ -~ 250/5594
`53481597 B1
`2/2002 Kitajima ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ -- 250/559'4
`6,348,697 B1
`6/2002 N1sh10 et al.
`............... .. 73/159
`6,397,671 B1
`6/2002 Nishio et a1. ............... .. 73/159
`6,397,671 B1
`6/2002 Tanaka et a1.
`.............. .. 399/45
`6,400,912 B1
`6/2002 Tanaka et a1. .............. .. 399/45
`6,400,912 B1
`7/2002 Walker et al.
`.............. .. 347/14
`6,425,650 B1
`7/2002 Walker et a1. .............. .. 347/14
`6,425,650 B1
`3/2004 Chelvayohan et al.
`. 250/559.16
`6,713,775 B1*
`6,713,775 B1* 3/2004 Chelvayohan et a1. . 250/559.16
`2001/0005340 A1
`6/2001 Nishikawa ............... .. 369/47.5
`2001/0005340 A1
`6/2001 Nishikawa ............... .. 369/47.5
`2001/0008275 A1
`7/2001 Yanagiuchi
`. 250/559.4
`2001/0008275 A1
`7/2001 Yanagiuchi
`_ 2505594
`2001,0026293 A1
`10/2001 Kaneko
`347,14
`2001/0026293 A1 10/2001 Kaneko
`347/14
`2002/0005497 A1
`1/2002 Sam ...... N
`250,559.“
`2002/0005497 A1
`V2002 Sano ~~~~~ __
`25055911
`2002/0071688 A1
`6/2002 Mam am
`399/45
`2002/0071688 A1
`6/2002 Mamyama
`399/45
`Y
`""""""""" "
`""""""""" "
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`
`
`GB
`2120382 A
`11/1983
`GB
`2120382 A 11/1983
`W0
`W0 01/32425 A1
`5/1921
`W0
`WO 01/32425 A1
`5/1921
`W0
`W0 01/32426 A1
`5/2001
`W0
`W0 01/32426 A1
`5/2001
`W0
`W0 ()1/53594 A1
`3/2001
`W0
`W0 ()1/5g694 A1
`55/2001
`.
`.
`* clted by exammer
`* cited by examiner
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`US. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`5,574,527 A
`11/1996 Folkins
`......................... 399/9
`5,574,527 A 11/1996 Folkins ....................... .. 399/9
`5,585,645 A
`12/1996 Goto ................... .. 250/559.12
`5,585,645 A M1996 Goto ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ __ 25055912
`5,666,194 A
`9/1997 Denton ...................... .. 356/72
`5,666,194 A
`9/1997 Denton ...................... .. 356/72
`5,539,757 A
`11/1997 Fermnte et 31.
`399/45
`
`5,689,757 A 11/1997 Ferrante et a1‘
`399/45
`5,751,443 A
`5/1998 Bonon et al.
`............. .. 356/446
`5,751,443 A
`5/199g Bolton et a1, _____________ __ 356/446
`5,751,854 A
`5/1998 Sajtoh et al.
`............. .. 382/218
`5,751,854 A
`5/1998 Saitoh et a1. ............. .. 382/218
`5,808,296 A
`9/1998 McMonag1e et a1.
`250/221
`5,808,296 A
`9/1998 McMonagle eta1~
`250/221
`5,811,777 A
`9/1998 Ackley ..................... ~ 235/462
`5,811,777 A
`9/1998 Ackley --------------------- -- 235/462
`5,856,833 A
`1/1999 Elgee etal.
`................ .. 347/19
`5,856,833 A
`1/1999 Elgee et a1. ................ .. 347/19
`
`5,875,029 A
`2/1999 Jarm etal.
`...... ..
`356/345
`5375929 A
`2/1999 Jan.“ et a1‘ """ "
`356/345
`5,925,889 A
`7/1999 Gu111oryetal.
`.......... .. 250/559
`5,925,889 A
`7/1999 Gu1ll0ry et a1. .......... .. 250/559
`6,006,668 A
`12/1999 Rehmann .................. .. 101/484
`6,006,668 A 12/1999 Rehmann .................. .. 101/484
`
`6,019,449 A
`2/2000 Bullock et al.
`347/14
`6,019,449 A
`2/2000 Bullock et a1.
`347/14
`6,031,620 A
`2/2000 Typpo ...................... .. 356/445
`6,031,620 A
`2/2000 Typpo ...................... .. 356/445
`6,088,546 A
`7/2000 Inoue et al.
`................ .. 399/45
`6,088,546 A
`7/2000 Inoue et a1. ................ .. 399/45
`6,122,042 A
`9/2000 Wunderman et al.
`....... .. 356/73
`6,122,042 A
`9/2000 Wunderman et a1. ....... .. 356/73
`6,201,255 B1
`3/2001 Torchalski etal. ..... .. 250/559.4
`6,201,255 B1
`3/2001 Torchalski et a1. ..... .. 250/559.4
`6,215,552 B1
`4/2001 Acquaviva et al.
`....... .. 356/371
`6,215,552 B1
`4/2001 Acquaviva et a1. ....... .. 356/371
`6,217,168 B1
`4/2001 Elgee ............. ..
`347/105
`
`6,217,168 B1
`4/2001 Elgee ............. ..
`347/105
`6,233,053 B1
`5/2001 Preston et al.
`............ .. 356/445
`6,233,053 B1
`5/2001 Preston et a1. ............ .. 356/445
`6,242,733 B1
`6/2001 Ma et al.
`.................. .. 250/223
`6,242,733 B1
`6/2001 Ma et a1. .................. .. 250/223
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 23, 2006
`May 23, 2006
`
`Sheet 1 0f 8
`Sheet 1 of 8
`
`US 7,049,620 B2
`US 7,049,620 B2
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 23, 2006
`May 23, 2006
`
`Sheet 2 0f 8
`Sheet 2 of 8
`
`US 7,049,620 B2
`US 7,049,620 B2
`
`10
`
`22
`
`74
`74
`
`23
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 23, 2006
`
`Sheet 3 of 8
`
`US 7,049,620 B2
`
`c:
`
`QZDOMG
`
`QZDOMO
`
`w 3
`
`
`
`as1>m+/_vuH:
`
`V5
`
`:50
`
`23.55
`
`
`
`~50Ezramm
`
`MsE
`
`K.I\\\\\\[,H
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 23, 2006
`May 23, 2006
`
`Sheet 4 0f 8
`Sheet 4 of 8
`
`US 7,049,620 B2
`US 7,049,620 B2
`
`S200
`GENERATE A FIRST PULSE WIDTH MODULATED
`S200
`GENERATE A FIRST PULSE WIDTH MODULATED
`SIGNAL LEDPWM AND A SECOND PULSE WIDTH f
`SIGNAL LEDPWM AND A SECOND PULSE WIDTH f
`MODULATED SIGNAL REFP\VM
`MODULATED SIGNAL REFPWM
`
`
`i
`
`DRIVE THE LIGHT SOURCE BASED ON THE OUTPUT f S204
`DRIVE THE LIGHT SOURCE BASED ON THE OUTPUT f 5204
`SIGNAL Vout
`SIGNAL Vout
`
`I
`S206
`DETECT THE LIGHT INTENSITY OF THE REFLECTBD LIGHT
`DETECT THE LIGHT INTENSITY OF THE REFLECTED LIGHT
`S206
`AND GENERATE A DETECTION VOLTAGE Vdet
`AND GENERATE A DETECTION VOLTAGE Vdet f
`BASED ON THE LIGHT INTENSITY
`BASED ON THE LIGHT INTENSITY
`
`
`
`
`
`l
`
`COMPARE REFERENCE VOLTAGE Vref TO THE DETECTION f S208
`COMPARE REFERENCE VOLTAGE Vref TO THE DETECTION f S208
`VOLTAGE Vdct TO DETERMINE WHETHER COMPARATOR
`VOLTAGE Vdct TO DETERMINE WHETHER COMPARATOR
`
`HAS AN OUTPUT CHANGE
`HAS AN OUTPUT CHANGE
`l
`
`
`S210
`CHANGE THE LIGHT INTENSITY BY CHANGING SAID
`S210
`CHANGE THE LIGHT INTENSITY BY CHANGING SAID
`DUTY CYCLE OF THE FIRST PULSE WIDTH f
`DUTY CYCLE OF THE FIRST PULSE WIDTH
`
`MODULATED SIGNAL LEDPWM
`MODULATED SIGNAL LEDPWM
`l
`
`DETERMINE A DUTY CYCLE VALUE (D) AT A POINT OF
`DETERMINE A DUTY CYCLE VALUE (D) AT A POINT OF
`DETECTION OF SAID OUTPUT CHANGE OF COMPARATOR
`DETECTION OF SAID OUTPUT CHANGE OF COMPARATOR
`I
`CORRELATE THE DUTY CYCLE VALUE (D), EITHER
`CORRELATE THE DUTY CYCLE VALUE (D), EITHER
`S214
`S214
`DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, TO A SPECIFIC MEDIA TYPE f
`DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, TO A SPECIFIC MEDIA TYPE
`
`5212
`5212
`
`@ Fig. 4
`
`Fig. 4
`
`END
`
`
`
`l
`
`
`
`FILTER FIRST PULSE WIDTH MODULATED SIGNAL
`FILTER FIRST PULSE WIDTH MODULATED SIGNAL
`S202
`LEDPWM TO CONVERT TO OUTPUT SIGNAL Vout AND f 5202
`LEDPWM TO CONVERT TO OUTPUT SIGNAL Vout AND
`FILTER SECOND PULSE WIDTH MODULATED SIGNAL
`FILTER SECOND PULSE WIDTH MODULATED SIGNAL
`
`REFPWM TO CONVERT TO REFERENCE VOLTAGE Vref
`REFPWM TO CONVERT TO REFERENCE VOLTAGE Vref
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 23, 2006
`May 23, 2006
`
`Sheet 5 0f 8
`Sheet 5 of 8
`
`US 7,049,620 B2
`US 7,049,620 B2
`
`@ SWITCH LED OFF
`
`SWITCH LED OFF
`DS=0%
`DS=0%
`
`/\—— S300
`S300
`
`
`
`SET REFERENCE AT A HIGH VALUE (2 VOLTS) /-\__ S302
`SET REFERENCE AT A HIGH VALUE (2 VOLTS) /1. S302
`DR=60%
`DR=60%
`0
`
`$306
`S306
`
`
`
`COMPARATO ’
`COMPARATO '
`ERROR;
`ERROR;
`OUTPUT HIGH?
`OUTPUT HIGH?
`TOO MUCH
`TOO MUCH
`(Vdet>Vref?)
`BACKGROUND
`(Vdet>Vref?)
`BACKGROUND
`l
`@
`
`
`
`YES
`
`
`
`/\-- S308
`/\— S308
`‘_
`
`DECREASE DR
`DECREASE DR
`DR=DR-s2
`DR=DR-S2
`
`
`
`
`S310
`S310
`
`COMPARATO '
`COMPARATO '
`OUTPUT HIGH?
`OUTPUT HIGH?
`(Vdet>Vref?)
`(Vdet>Vref?)
`
`SAVE DR AS DR0
`SAVE DR AS DRO
`
`YES
`
`
`
`S312
`/ \— 5312
`
`
`
`Fig. 5A
`Fig. 5A
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 23, 2006
`May 23, 2006
`
`Sheet 6 of 8
`Sheet 6 0f 8
`
`US 7,049,620 B2
`US 7,049,620 B2
`
`
`
`SET REF SLIGHTLY ABOVE
`SET REF SLIGHTLY ABOVE
`BACKGROUND; SET LED OFF
`BACKGROUND; SET LED OFF
`
`DR=DRO+S2
`DR=DRO+S2
`DS=O
`DS=O
`
`l
`
`INCREASE LEDPWM
`INCREASE LEDPWM
`
`S314
`
`S316
`
`
`
`NO
`
`COMPARATO '
`OUTPUT HIGH?
`OUTPUT HIGH?
`(Vdet>Vref?)
`(Vdet>Vref?)
`
` COMPARATO '
`
`
`
`SAVE DS AS DSO
`SAVE DS AS DSO
`
`
`
`’\/ S320
`S320
`
`Fig. 5B
`Fig. 5B
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 23, 2006
`May 23,2006
`
`Sheet 7 0f 8
`Sheet 7 of 8
`
`US 7,049,620 B2
`US 7,049,620 B2
`
`S322
`S322
`SET DR ABOVE DRO IN f
`
`
`SET DR ABOVE DRO IN
`STEPS OF F0 AT THE
`STEPS OF F0 AT THE
`HIGHEST POSSIBLE
`HIGHEST POSSIBLE
`LEVEL
`LEVEL
`
`DR=(DRO+n x F0)<100
`DR=(DRO+n x F0)<100
`
`S332
`
`
`
`
`
`S324
`$324
`‘
`sET DS AT THE LED I
`
`SET DS AT THE LED
`TURN ON LEVEL
`TURN ON LEVEL
`4
`4
`
`DS=DSO
`DS=DSO
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`I
`f S326
`“
` INCREASE THE
`INCREASE THE
`LEDPWM DUTY CYCLE
`LEDPWM DUTY CYCLE
`DS=DS+S1
`Ds=Ds+s1
`A
`S330
` REDUCE
`REDUCE
`
`THE
`HAS
`IS
`THE
`HAS
`IS
`LEDP““4.
`R§fP“”“
`COEHUULATOR
`LEDPWM _
`REFPWM
`COMPARATOR
`REACHED THE
`CYDCIIIEgY
`OUTPUT HIGH?
`REACHED THE
`CYCLIJJEBY
`OUTPUT HIGH?
`MAXIMUM LEVEL
`MAXIMUM LEVEL
`(vdwvrefl
`?
`F0 AND
`(Vdet>Vret)
`?
`F0 AND
`
`
`STEP
`STEP
`n=n-1;
`n=n- 1 ;
`
`DR=DR-F0
`DR=DR~FO
`
`
`
`Fig. 5C
`Fig. 5C
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 23, 2006
`May 23, 2006
`
`Sheet 8 0f 8
`Sheet 8 of 8
`
`US 7,049,620 B2
`US 7,049,620 B2
`
` S334
`S334
`CALCULATE THE LEDPWM DUTY /
`
`CALCULATE THE LEDPWM DUTY
`CYCLE THAT GIVES SIGNAL EQUAL TO
`CYCLE THAT GIVES SIGNAL EQUAL TO
`ONE UNIT REFERENCE VOLTAGE STEP
`ONE UNIT REFERENCE VOLTAGE STEP
`C=(DS-DSO)/n
`C=(DS-DSO)/n
`
`P336
`
`P26
`
`*
`
`P340
`
`
`
`DETECTION
`
`
`
`LOW
`LOW
`NORMALIZATION
`NORMALIZATION
`
`
`
`HIGH
`HIGH
`NORMALIZATION
`NORMALIZATION
`
`,
`CALCULATE THE
`CALCULATE THE
`CALCULATE
`CALCULATE
`AND SAVE
`CORRECTED
`AND SAVE
`CORRECTED
`THE
`NORMALIZED RATIO
`THE
`NORMALIZED RATIO
`S338 /\ CORRECTION
`CRn=[(CO/C)-1] x CF+1
`CORRECTION
`CRn=[(C0/C)—1] x CF+1
`
`FACTOR
`FACTOR
`CF=9/[(CO/C)-1]
`
`CF=9/[(C0/C)-1]
`i L\ S340
`S340
`
`COMPARE CRn WITH
`COMPARE CRn WITH
`THRESHOLD LEVELS
`THRESHOLD LEVELS
`AND IDENTIFY THE
`AND IDENTIFY THE
`MEDIA
`MEDIA
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`‘
`
`P338
`
`SAVE C AS C0
`SAVE C AS C0
`L7
`
`S336
`S336
`
`
`
`
`' ‘
`
`S342
`
`Fig. 5D
`Fig. 51)
`
`"
`
`

`
`US 7,049,620 B2
`US 7,049,620 B2
`
`1
`1
`MEDIA TYPE SENSING METHOD FOR AN
`MEDIA TYPE SENSING METHOD FOR AN
`IMAGING APPARATUS
`IMAGING APPARATUS
`
`This is a divisional of application No. 10/342,786 filed
`This is a divisional of application No. 10/342,786 ?led
`Jan. 15, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No 6,900,449.
`Jan. 15, 2003 now US. Pat. No 6,900,449.
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus,
`The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus,
`and, more particularly, to a method of media type sensing for
`and, more particularly, to a method of media type sensing for
`an imaging apparatus.
`an imaging apparatus.
`2. Description of the Related Art
`2. Description of the Related Art
`Media sensors are used to detect the presence or absence
`Media sensors are used to detect the presence or absence
`of print media, and in some cases, are also used to determine
`of print media, and in some cases, are also used to determine
`the print media type. One form of a media sensor includes
`the print media type. One form of a media sensor includes
`a single light source, such as a light emitting diode (LED),
`a single light source, such as a light emitting diode (LED),
`and a light detector, such as a phototransistor. Typically, the
`and a light detector, such as a phototransistor. Typically, the
`light detector is located on the same side of a print media as
`light detector is located on the same side of a print media as
`the light source. During operation, the LED directs light at
`the light source. During operation, the LED directs light at
`a predefined angle onto a material surface of the print media,
`a prede?ned angle onto a material surface of the print media,
`and the surface characteristics of the print media are exam-
`and the surface characteristics of the print media are exam
`ined in terms of the amount of light reflected from the
`ined in terms of the amount of light re?ected from the
`surface that is received by the light detector. For example,
`surface that is received by the light detector. For example,
`the presence of the print media is detected based upon a
`the presence of the print media is detected based upon a
`predetermined amount of light reflected from the media to
`predetermined amount of light re?ected from the media to
`the light detector.
`the light detector.
`One known sensor is a photo sensor that responds to a first
`One knoWn sensor is a photo sensor that responds to a ?rst
`reference spectral reflection from a reference surface at an
`reference spectral re?ection from a reference surface at an
`angle of reflection equal to the angle of incidence. When a
`angle of re?ection equal to the angle of incidence. When a
`sheet of media is registered by the printer against
`the
`sheet of media is registered by the printer against the
`reference surface, the photo sensor responds to a second
`reference surface, the photo sensor responds to a second
`spectral reflection from the sheet of media. The ratio of the
`spectral re?ection from the sheet of media. The ratio of the
`second spectral reflection intensity to first spectral reflection
`second spectral re?ection intensity to ?rst spectral re?ection
`intensity is compared to a selected threshold to identify the
`intensity is compared to a selected threshold to identify the
`media by gloss level.
`media by gloss level.
`It is further known to have a detection system in which
`It is further knoWn to have a detection system in Which
`external light is detected during a non-emission state of a
`external light is detected during a non-emission state of a
`light emitting element and is used to correct a reference
`light emitting element and is used to correct a reference
`value. The corrected reference value is then compared to a
`value. The corrected reference value is then compared to a
`detected value of light emitted from the light emitting
`detected value of light emitted from the light emitting
`element and reflecting from an original to be copied, and
`element and re?ecting from an original to be copied, and
`based on the comparison a determination is made as to the
`based on the comparison a determination is made as to the
`presence of an original.
`presence of an original.
`Some media sensors include a pair of light detectors, one
`Some media sensors include a pair of light detectors, one
`of the light detectors being positioned to sense reflected
`of the light detectors being positioned to sense re?ected
`diffuse light and a second detector positioned to sense
`di?‘use light and a second detector positioned to sense
`reflected specular light. Such a sensor may be used, for
`re?ected specular light. Such a sensor may be used, for
`example, to detect and distinguish between various media
`example, to detect and distinguish betWeen various media
`types by optically measuring the glossiness of the media
`types by optically measuring the glossiness of the media
`based on each of reflected specular light and reflected
`based on each of re?ected specular light and re?ected
`diffusely scattered light. To measure the glossiness, a colli-
`diffusely scattered light. To measure the glossiness, a colli
`mated beam of light is directed towards the media and a
`mated beam of light is directed toWards the media and a
`reflectance ratio (R) of the detected reflected specular light
`re?ectance ratio (R) of the detected re?ected specular light
`intensity and the detected dilfusively scattered light intensity
`intensity and the detected dilfusively scattered light intensity
`is calculated. The media sensor is initially calibrated by
`is calculated. The media sensor is initially calibrated by
`measuring a reflectance ratio (R0) on a known gloss media.
`measuring a re?ectance ratio (R0) on a knoWn gloss media.
`A normalized reflectance ratio (Rn) is calculated using the
`A normaliZed re?ectance ratio (Rn) is calculated using the
`formula: Rn:(R/R0). Normalized reflectance ratio Rn then
`formula: Rn:(R/R0). NormaliZed re?ectance ratio Rn then
`is used to identify the media type of an unknown media by
`is used to identify the media type of an unknown media by
`a comparison of the normalized reflectance ratio Rn to a
`a comparison of the normalized re?ectance ratio Rn to a
`plurality of normalized reflectance ratio Rn ranges, each
`plurality of normaliZed re?ectance ratio Rn ranges, each
`range being associated with a particular type of media.
`range being associated With a particular type of media.
`What is needed in the art is an improved media sensing
`What is needed in the art is an improved media sensing
`system and method that can use a simple single detector
`system and method that can use a simple single detector
`sensor using low cost digital electronics, and which reliably
`sensor using loW cost digital electronics, and Which reliably
`distinguishes between various media types.
`distinguishes betWeen various media types.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`20
`
`25
`25
`
`30
`30
`
`35
`35
`
`40
`40
`
`45
`45
`
`50
`50
`
`55
`55
`
`60
`60
`
`65
`65
`
`2
`2
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present
`invention relates to an improved media
`The present invention relates to an improved media
`sensing system and method that can use a simple single
`sensing system and method that can use a simple single
`detector sensor using low cost digital electronics, and which
`detector sensor using loW cost digital electronics, and Which
`reliably distinguishes between various media types.
`reliably distinguishes betWeen various media types.
`The present invention, in one form thereof, is directed to
`The present invention, in one form thereof, is directed to
`a media type sensing method for an imaging apparatus. The
`a media type sensing method for an imaging apparatus. The
`method includes the steps of providing a sensor including a
`method includes the steps of providing a sensor including a
`light source and a light detector; driving the light source
`light source and a light detector; driving the light source
`based on a drive signal, the light source generating a light
`based on a drive signal, the light source generating a light
`beam that impinges a print media sheet thereby generating
`beam that impinges a print media sheet thereby generating
`reflected light, the reflected light having a light intensity
`re?ected light, the re?ected light having a light intensity
`related to the drive signal and related to a type of the print
`related to the drive signal and related to a type of the print
`media sheet; detecting the light intensity of the reflected
`media sheet; detecting the light intensity of the re?ected
`light with the light detector, the light detector generating a
`light With the light detector, the light detector generating a
`detection voltage based on the light intensity; providing a
`detection voltage based on the light intensity; providing a
`comparator to compare a reference voltage to the detection
`comparator to compare a reference voltage to the detection
`voltage, wherein the comparator has an output change from
`voltage, Wherein the comparator has an output change from
`an initial output state to a media type detection state when
`an initial output state to a media type detection state When
`the detection voltage transitions across the reference volt-
`the detection voltage transitions across the reference volt
`age; changing the light
`intensity of the light source by
`age; changing the light intensity of the light source by
`changing the drive signal, while monitoring for the output
`changing the drive signal, While monitoring for the output
`change of the comparator; determining a drive signal value
`change of the comparator; determining a drive signal value
`of the drive signal at a point of detection of the output
`of the drive signal at a point of detection of the output
`change; and correlating the drive signal value to a specific
`change; and correlating the drive signal value to a speci?c
`media type.
`media type.
`In another form thereof, the present invention is directed
`In another form thereof, the present invention is directed
`to a method of correcting for sensitivity variation of media
`to a method of correcting for sensitivity variation of media
`sensors. The method includes the steps of determining a first
`sensors. The method includes the steps of determining a ?rst
`signal level corresponding to a first calibration media having
`signal level corresponding to a ?rst calibration media having
`a first glossiness; determining a second signal level corre-
`a ?rst glossiness; determining a second signal level corre
`sponding to a second calibration media having a second
`sponding to a second calibration media having a second
`glossiness, the second glossiness being greater than the first
`glossiness, the second glossiness being greater than the ?rst
`glossiness; and determining a corrected normalized signal
`glossiness; and determining a corrected normaliZed signal
`level ratio of an unknown media based on the first signal
`level ratio of an unknoWn media based on the ?rst signal
`level of the first calibration media and the second signal
`level of the ?rst calibration media and the second signal
`level of the second calibration media.
`level of the second calibration media.
`In yet another form thereof,
`the present
`invention is
`In yet another form thereof, the present invention is
`directed to a method of correcting for sensitivity variation of
`directed to a method of correcting for sensitivity variation of
`media sensors, including the steps of determining a first duty
`media sensors, including the steps of determining a ?rst duty
`cycle corresponding to a first calibration media having a first
`cycle corresponding to a ?rst calibration media having a ?rst
`glossiness; determining a second duty cycle corresponding
`glossiness; determining a second duty cycle corresponding
`to a second calibration media having a second glossiness, the
`to a second calibration media having a second glossiness, the
`second glossiness being greater than the first glossiness; and
`second glossiness being greater than the ?rst glossiness; and
`determining a corrected normalized duty cycle ratio of an
`determining a corrected normaliZed duty cycle ratio of an
`unknown media based on the first duty cycle of the first
`unknown media based on the ?rst duty cycle of the ?rst
`calibration media and the second duty cycle of the second
`calibration media and the second duty cycle of the second
`calibration media.
`calibration media.
`In yet another form thereof,
`the present
`invention is
`In yet another form thereof, the present invention is
`directed to a method of media type detection, including the
`directed to a method of media type detection, including the
`steps of providing a first signal source generating a first
`steps of providing a ?rst signal source generating a ?rst
`pulse width modulated signal having a duty cycle DS;
`pulse Width modulated signal having a duty cycle DS;
`providing a second signal source generating a second pulse
`providing a second signal source generating a second pulse
`width modulated signal having a duty cycle DR; converting
`Width modulated signal having a duty cycle DR; converting
`the first pulse width modulated signal to an output signal
`the ?rst pulse Width modulated signal to an output signal
`having a voltage level related to the duty cycle DS; con-
`having a voltage level related to the duty cycle DS; con
`verting the second pulse width modulated signal to a refer-
`verting the second pulse Width modulated signal to a refer
`ence voltage related to the duty cycle DR; providing a sensor
`ence voltage related to the duty cycle DR; providing a sensor
`including a light source and a light detector; driving the light
`including a light source and a light detector; driving the light
`source based on the output signal, the light source generating
`source based on the output signal, the light source generating
`a light beam that impinges a print media sheet thereby
`a light beam that impinges a print media sheet thereby
`generating reflected light, the reflected light having a light
`generating re?ected light, the re?ected light having a light
`intensity related to the voltage level and related to a type of
`intensity related to the voltage level and related to a type of
`the print media sheet; detecting the light intensity of the
`the print media sheet; detecting the light intensity of the
`reflected light with the light detector,
`the light detector
`re?ected light With the light detector, the light detector
`generating a detection voltage based on the light intensity;
`generating a detection voltage based on the light intensity;
`
`

`
`US 7,049,620 B2
`US 7,049,620 B2
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`20
`
`30
`30
`
`3
`3
`providing a comparator to compare the reference voltage to
`providing a comparator to compare the reference voltage to
`the detection voltage, wherein the comparator has an output
`the detection voltage, Wherein the comparator has an output
`change from an initial output state to a media type detection
`change from an initial output state to a media type detection
`state when the detection voltage transitions across the ref-
`state When the detection voltage transitions across the ref
`erence voltage; changing the light
`intensity of the light
`erence voltage; changing the light intensity of the light
`source by changing the duty cycle DS of the first pulse width
`source by changing the duty cycle DS of the ?rst pulse Width
`modulated signal, while monitoring for the output change of
`modulated signal, While monitoring for the output change of
`the comparator, wherein if after completing the step of
`the comparator, Wherein if after completing the step of
`changing the duty cycle DS the comparator has not experi-
`changing the duty cycle DS the comparator has not experi
`enced the output change, then changing the reference volt-
`enced the output change, then changing the reference volt
`age by changing the duty cycle DR of the second pulse width
`age by changing the duty cycle DR of the second pulse Width
`modulated signal, and then repeating the step of changing
`modulated signal, and then repeating the step of changing
`the duty cycle DS; determining a duty cycle value corre-
`the duty cycle DS; determining a duty cycle value corre
`sponding to the first pulse width modulated signal at a point
`sponding to the ?rst pulse Width modulated signal at a point
`of detection of the output change; and correlating the duty
`of detection of the output change; and correlating the duty
`cycle value to a specific media type.
`cycle value to a speci?c media type.
`In still another form thereof,
`the present
`invention is
`In still another form thereof, the present invention is
`directed to an apparatus for media type detection. The
`directed to an apparatus for media type detection. The
`apparatus includes a signal source that generates a first