U.S. patent application number 16/792356 was filed with the patent office on 2021-08-19 for methods, apparatuses, and systems for media calibration for printers.
This patent application is currently assigned to Datamax-O'Neil Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Datamax-O'Neil Corporation. Invention is credited to Ying CAO, Phek Thong LEE, Heng Yew LIM, Cheng Khoon NG, WenWei ZHANG.
Application Number | 20210256330 16/792356 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005750135 |
Filed Date | 2021-08-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210256330 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LIM; Heng Yew ; et
al. |
August 19, 2021 |
METHODS, APPARATUSES, AND SYSTEMS FOR MEDIA CALIBRATION FOR
PRINTERS
Abstract
Printers capable of determining a media type of a media and
associated methods are provided. An example method includes
scanning a media with a verifier associated with the printer to
generate at least two consecutive windows of the media. The example
method further includes determining a vertical length of a captured
image based on a comparison of image characteristic values captured
in the at least two consecutive windows. The example method further
includes determining a media characteristic associated with the
media based at least on the captured image and the vertical length
and one or more stored media profiles. The example method further
includes calibrating the printer based on the media
characteristic.
Inventors: |
LIM; Heng Yew; (Singapore,
SG) ; CAO; Ying; (Singapore, SG) ; LEE; Phek
Thong; (Singapore, SG) ; NG; Cheng Khoon;
(Singapore, SG) ; ZHANG; WenWei; (Singapore,
SG) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Datamax-O'Neil Corporation |
Altamonte Springs |
FL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Datamax-O'Neil Corporation
Altamonte Springs
FL
|
Family ID: |
1000005750135 |
Appl. No.: |
16/792356 |
Filed: |
February 17, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 15/024
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06K 15/02 20060101
G06K015/02 |
Claims
1. A method for determining a media type of a media associated with
a printer, the method comprising: scanning a media associated with
the printer to generate at least two consecutive windows of a
media; determining a vertical length of a captured image based on a
comparison of image characteristic values captured in the at least
two consecutive windows; determining a media characteristic
associated with the media based at least on the captured image and
the vertical length and one or more stored media profiles; and
calibrating the printer based on the media characteristic.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the media physically
moves in a vertical direction during the scanning.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the scanning is
associated with a pre-determined window size defined by a
horizontal width and a vertical length, wherein the media
characteristic further includes a width, and wherein the method
further comprises: generating one or more image characteristic
value graphs based on the captured image; detecting one or more
changes of image characteristic value on the one or more image
characteristic value graphs; for each image characteristic value
graph: determining a first point and a second point based one or
more changes of image characteristic values; determining a pulse
width based on the distance between the first point and the second
point; and determining the width based on the one or more pulse
widths associated with each of the image characteristic value
graphs.
4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a line
scanner sensor associated with a line scanner physically moves in a
vertical direction during the scanning.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the captured image
comprises one or more pre-defined vertical sample lines associated
with a line scanner sensor associated with the line scanner.
6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising receiving
one or more media profiles each associated with a media type,
wherein the media characteristic includes a media type.
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein one media profile of
the one or more media profiles is associated with a gap media type,
and wherein determining that the media is associated with the gap
media type comprises: generating one or more image characteristic
value graphs associated with each of the one or more sample lines;
detecting one or more decreases of image characteristic values in
the one or more image characteristic value graphs that exceeds a
gap threshold; and determining that the media is associated with
the gap media type.
8. The method according to claim 6, wherein one media profile of
the one or more media profiles is associated with a continuous
media type, and wherein determining that the media is associated
with the continuous media type comprises: generating one or more
image characteristic value graphs associated with each of the one
or more sample lines; detecting that one or more image
characteristic values in the one or more image characteristic value
graphs do not increase or decrease by more than a continuous
threshold; and determining that the media is associated with the
continuous media type.
9. The method according to claim 6, wherein one media profile of
the one or more media profiles is associated with a blackmark media
type, and wherein determining that the media is associated with the
blackmark media type comprises: generating one or more image
characteristic value graphs associated with each of the one or more
sample lines; detecting that at least one image characteristic
value in the one or more image characteristic value graphs increase
or decrease by more than a blackmark darkness threshold for more
than a blackmark size threshold; and determining that the media is
associated with the blackmark media type.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the calibrating comprises
adjusting a label stop position.
11. A printer comprising: a line scanner configured to scan a media
to generate at least two consecutive windows of a media; and a
device configured to: determine a vertical length of a captured
image based on a comparison of image characteristic values captured
in the at least two consecutive windows; determine a media
characteristic associated with the media based at least on the
captured image, the vertical length and the one or more media
profiles; and calibrate the printer based on the media
characteristic.
12. The printer according to claim 11, wherein the media physically
moves in a vertical direction during the scanning.
13. The printer according to claim 11, wherein the scanning is
associated with a pre-determined window size defined by a
horizontal width and a vertical length, wherein the media
characteristic further includes a width, and wherein the device is
further configured to: generate one or more image characteristic
value graphs based on the captured image; detect one or more
changes of image characteristic value on the one or more image
characteristic value graphs; for each image characteristic value
graph: determine a first point and a second point based one or more
changes of image characteristic values; determine a pulse width
based on the distance between the first point and the second point;
and determine the width based on the one or more pulse widths
associated with each of the image characteristic value graphs.
14. The printer according to claim 11, wherein a line scanner
sensor associated with the line scanner physically moves in a
vertical direction during the scanning.
15. The printer according to claim 11, wherein the device is
further configured to receive one or more media profiles each
associated with a media type, and wherein the media characteristic
includes a media type.
16. The printer according to claim 15, wherein the captured image
comprises two overlapping windows each associated with the
pre-determined window size, and wherein the captured image
comprises one or more pre-defined vertical sample lines associated
with the line scanner sensor.
17. The printer according to claim 16, wherein one media profile of
the one or more media profiles is associated with a gap media type,
and wherein determining that the media is associated with the gap
media type comprises: generating one or more image characteristic
value graphs associated with each of the one or more sample lines;
detecting one or more decreases of image characteristic values in
the one or more image characteristic value graphs that exceeds a
gap threshold; and determining that the media is associated with
the gap media type.
18. The printer according to claim 16, wherein one media profile of
the one or more media profiles is associated with a continuous
media type, and wherein determining that the media is associated
with the continuous media type comprises: generating one or more
image characteristic value graphs associated with each of the one
or more sample lines; detecting that one or more image
characteristic values in the one or more image characteristic value
graphs do not increase or decrease by more than a continuous
threshold; and determining that the media is associated with the
continuous media type.
19. The printer according to claim 16, wherein one media profile of
the one or more media profiles is associated with a blackmark media
type, and wherein determining that the media is associated with the
blackmark media type comprises: generating one or more image
characteristic value graphs associated with each of the one or more
sample lines; detecting that at least one image characteristic
value in the one or more image characteristic value graphs increase
or decrease by more than a blackmark darkness threshold for more
than a blackmark size threshold; and determining that the media is
associated with the blackmark media type.
20. The printer of claim 11, wherein the calibrating comprises
adjusting a label stop position.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Notwithstanding the revolution in digital communications and
digital transmission/viewing of documents, hardcopy printed
media--printing onto tangible sheets of paper or labels--remains
essential for many purposes. Hardcopy printing may be accomplished
via multiple types of devices, including thermal printers, inkjet
printing, and laser printers. In this regard, Applicant has
identified many deficiencies and problems associated with many
printers. Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, many
of these identified problems have been solved by developing
solutions that are included in embodiments of the present
disclosure, many examples of which are described in detail
herein.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0002] Accordingly, in one aspect, the present system and method
may employ a verifier that includes a line scanner, which, in an
embodiment, may be integrated within the printer itself. In some
embodiments, a method for determining a media type of a media
associated with a printer may be provided. In some embodiments, the
method comprises: scanning a media with a verifier associated with
the printer to generate at least two consecutive windows of a
media; determining a vertical length of a captured image based on a
comparison of image characteristic values captured in the at least
two consecutive windows; determining a media characteristic
associated with the media based at least on the captured image and
the vertical length and one or more stored media profiles; and
calibrating the printer based on the media characteristic.
[0003] In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving
one or more media profiles each associated with a media type. The
media characteristic includes a media type. In some embodiments, a
line scanner sensor associated with a line scanner physically moves
in a vertical direction during the scanning.
[0004] In some embodiments, the scanning is associated with a
pre-determined window size defined by a horizontal width and a
vertical length. In some embodiments, the media characteristic
further includes a width. In some embodiments, the method further
comprises: generating one or more image characteristic value graphs
based on the captured image; detecting one or more changes of image
characteristic value on the one or more image characteristic value
graphs; for each image characteristic value graph: determining a
first point and a second point based one or more changes of image
characteristic values; determining a pulse width based on the
distance between the first point and the second point; and
determining the width based on the one or more pulse widths
associated with each of the image characteristic value graphs.
[0005] In some embodiments, the media physically moves in a
vertical direction during the scanning. In some embodiments, the
captured image comprises one or more pre-defined vertical sample
lines associated with a line scanner sensor associated with the
line scanner. In some embodiments, one media profile of the one or
more media profiles is associated with a gap media type. In some
embodiments, determining that the media is associated with the gap
media type comprises: generating one or more image characteristic
value graphs associated with each of the one or more sample lines;
detecting one or more decreases of image characteristic values in
the one or more image characteristic value graphs that exceeds a
gap threshold; and determining that the media is associated with
the gap media type.
[0006] In some embodiments, one media profile of the one or more
media profiles is associated with a continuous media type. In some
embodiments, determining that the media is associated with the
continuous media type comprises: generating one or more image
characteristic value graphs associated with each of the one or more
sample lines; detecting that one or more image characteristic
values in the one or more image characteristic value graphs do not
increase or decrease by more than a continuous threshold; and
determining that the media is associated with the continuous media
type. In some embodiments, one media profile of the one or more
media profiles is associated with a blackmark media type. In some
embodiments, determining that the media is associated with the
blackmark media type comprises: generating one or more image
characteristic value graphs associated with each of the one or more
sample lines; detecting that at least one image characteristic
value in the one or more image characteristic value graphs increase
or decrease by more than a blackmark darkness threshold for more
than a blackmark size threshold; and determining that the media is
associated with the blackmark media type.
[0007] In some embodiments, the calibrating comprises adjusting a
label stop position.
[0008] In some embodiments, a printer is provided. The printer
comprises a line scanner configured to scan a media to generate at
least two consecutive windows of a media; and a device configured
to: determine a vertical length of a captured image based on a
comparison of image characteristic values captured in the at least
two consecutive windows; determine a media characteristic
associated with the media based at least on the captured image, the
vertical length, and the one or more media profiles; and calibrate
the printer based on the media characteristic.
[0009] In some embodiments, the device is further configured to
receive one or more media profiles each associated with a media
type. In some embodiments, the media characteristic includes a
media type.
[0010] In some embodiments, the media physically moves in a
vertical direction during the scanning. In some embodiments, the
scanning is associated with a pre-determined window size defined by
a horizontal width and a vertical length and the media
characteristic further includes a width. In some embodiments, the
device is further configured to: generate one or more image
characteristic value graphs based on the captured image; detect one
or more changes of image characteristic value on the one or more
image characteristic value graphs; for each image characteristic
value graph: determine a first point and a second point based one
or more changes of image characteristic values; determine a pulse
width based on the distance between the first point and the second
point; and determine the width based on the one or more pulse
widths associated with each of the image characteristic value
graphs.
[0011] In some embodiments, a line scanner sensor associated with
the line scanner physically moves in a vertical direction during
the scanning. In some embodiments, the captured image comprises two
overlapping windows each associated with the pre-determined window
size. In some embodiments, the captured image comprises one or more
pre-defined vertical sample lines associated with the line scanner
sensor.
[0012] In some embodiments, one media profile of the one or more
media profiles is associated with a gap media type. In some
embodiments, determining that the media is associated with the gap
media type comprises: generating one or more image characteristic
value graphs associated with each of the one or more sample lines;
detecting one or more decreases of image characteristic values in
the one or more image characteristic value graphs that exceeds a
gap threshold; and determining that the media is associated with
the gap media type. In some embodiments, one media profile of the
one or more media profiles is associated with a continuous media
type. In some embodiments, determining that the media is associated
with the continuous media type comprises: generating one or more
image characteristic value graphs associated with each of the one
or more sample lines; detecting that one or more image
characteristic values in the one or more image characteristic value
graphs do not increase or decrease by more than a continuous
threshold; and determining that the media is associated with the
continuous media type.
[0013] In some embodiments, one media profile of the one or more
media profiles is associated with a blackmark media type. In some
embodiments, determining that the media is associated with the
blackmark media type comprises: generating one or more image
characteristic value graphs associated with each of the one or more
sample lines; detecting that at least one image characteristic
value in the one or more image characteristic value graphs increase
or decrease by more than a blackmark darkness threshold for more
than a blackmark size threshold; and determining that the media is
associated with the blackmark media type. In some embodiments, the
calibrating comprises adjusting a label stop position.
[0014] The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other
exemplary objectives and/or advantages of the present disclosure,
and the manner in which the same are accomplished, are further
explained within the following detailed description and its
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary print media, according to
various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 2A graphically illustrates a portion of an exemplary
printer-verifier (a cover of the printer-verifier removed) to
illustrate an interior thereof, according to various embodiments of
the present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 2B schematically depicts a block diagram of the
printer-verifier of FIG. 2A, according to various embodiments of
the present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 3 schematically depicts an exemplary printer
communicatively coupled to a verifier in a system for printing an
image, according to various embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional schematic view of some internal
operating elements of an exemplary printer, according to various
embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for determining
media characteristic, such as media type, media size, or the like,
of a media according to various embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary scan of a media and
associated generation of a captured image of the media according to
various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating additional details of an
exemplary method for determining media type of a media type
according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates several exemplary image characteristic
value graphs generated based on captured image and illustrated
vertical sample lines according to various embodiments of the
present disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating additional details of an
exemplary method for determining media horizontal width according
to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 10 illustrates several exemplary image characteristic
value graphs generated based on captured image and illustrated
horizontal sample lines according to various embodiments of the
present disclosure; and
[0026] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating additional details for
generating media profiles according to various embodiments of the
present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will now be
described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the disclosure
are shown. Indeed, these disclosures may be embodied in many
different forms and should not be construed as limited to the
embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are
provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal
requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
[0028] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the
specification and claims which follow, the word "comprise" and
variations thereof, such as, "comprises" and comprising" are to be
construed in an open sense, that is as "including, but not limited
to."
[0029] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment"
or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the
phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places
throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to
the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features,
structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable
manner in one or more embodiments.
[0030] The word example" or "exemplary" is used herein to mean
"serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any
implementation described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily
to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other
implementations.
[0031] If the specification states a component or feature "may,"
"can," "could," "should," "would," "preferably," "possibly,"
"typically," "optionally," "for example," "often," or "might" (or
other such language) be included or have a characteristic, that a
specific component or feature is not required to be included or to
have the characteristic. Such component or feature may be
optionally included in some embodiments, or it may be excluded.
[0032] Various embodiments of the present disclosure will be
described in relation to a thermal transfer printer. However, the
present disclosure may be equally applicable to other types and
styles of printers (inclusive of printer-verifiers) (e.g., a
thermal printer, a laser printer, an ink drop printer, etc.).
[0033] The headings provided herein are for convenience only and do
not limit the scope or meaning of the claimed disclosure.
I. Definitions and Overview
[0034] Media calibration refers to detecting media types, such as,
continuous, gap, and blackmark media and media size (e.g., length
and width) so as to enable a printer to accurately print at or near
a media edge. In some examples, printers may conduct media
calibration by using light sensors and reading analog values of the
light sensors to detect a difference in light and determine whether
the difference is significant enough to be indicative of a gap
between media or a mark on the media. In this example, the result
is highly dependent on the sensitivity of the light receiving
sensors and the power of the light transmitting sensor. Therefore,
such printers may have a higher likelihood for false detection of
media type when, for example, the media contains pre-printed
information, abnormalities, and/or the like.
[0035] Various example embodiments of the present disclosure
provide systems and methods that may be utilized by a printer to
determine media characteristics. In some examples, the systems and
methods disclosed herein rely on a mechanism for capturing an image
of the media, such as by utilizing, for example, a verifier (e.g.,
a line scanner), a scanner, and/or the like. In some examples,
patterns of a scanned image may be identified and/or otherwise
processed to determine the media type and width/length of the
media, which may assist the printing process. Indeed, and in some
examples, reliance on a verifier may allow the printer to
advantageously, in some examples, detect the width of the
media.
[0036] The terms "print media," "physical print media," "paper,"
and "labels" refer to tangible, substantially durable physical
material onto which text, graphics or images may be imprinted and
persistently retained over time.
[0037] In some examples, physical print media may be used for
personal communications, business communications, and/or to convey
prose expression (including news, editorials, product data,
academic writings, memos, and many other kinds of communications),
data, advertising, fiction, entertainment content, and
illustrations and pictures.
[0038] Physical print media may generally be derivatives of wood
pulp or polymers, and includes conventional office paper, clear or
tinted acetate media, news print, envelopes, mailing labels,
product labels, and other kinds of labels. Thicker materials, such
as cardstock or cardboard, may be included as well. More generally,
print media may be used to receive ink, dye, or toner, or is a
media whose color or shading can be selectively varied (for
example, through selective application of heat, light, or
chemicals) to create a persistent visual contrast (in black and
white, shades of gray, and/or colors) that can be perceived by the
human eye as text, images, shapes, symbols, or graphics.
[0039] In exemplary embodiments discussed throughout the present
disclosure, reference may be made specifically to "paper" or
"labels;" however, the operations, system elements, and methods of
such exemplary applications may be applicable to media other than
or in addition to the specifically mentioned "paper" or
"labels."
[0040] A "printer" may refer to a device which imprints text,
images, shapes, symbols, graphics, and/or the like onto print media
to create a persistent, human-readable representation of the text,
images, shapes, symbols, or graphics. Printers may include, for
example, laser printers, light-emitting diode (LED) printers,
inkjet printers, thermal printers, dot matrix printers, impact
printers, and line printers.
[0041] Generally, printers are designed so that one or more sheets
of paper, one or more labels, or other print media can be inserted
or "fed" into the printer. For example, multiple sheets or other
media can be inserted into a holding tray or other container
element of the printer for temporary storage. In alternative or
additional embodiments, individual sheets of print media may be
hand-fed into a printer one at a time. Command and content
instructions are then sent to the printer electronically, for
example, from an external computer that is communicatively linked
to the printer. The printer feeds a sheet of paper, or a label, or
other print media into itself and towards a printhead within the
printer. The printhead of the printer then imprint the appropriate
contents onto the print media.
[0042] Further, the term "printer" refers to both a
printer-verifier (in which a printer and verifier are integrated in
a single device) such as exemplified in FIGS. 2A-2B and a separate
printer as exemplified in FIG. 3. As depicted in FIG. 3, and
hereinafter described, the separate printer 328 may be
communicatively coupled to a verifier 302 in a system 300 for
printing an image and verifying a print quality of the image. The
verifier 302 may be attached to the printer 328 or may be a
standalone device to where the user brings the print media from the
printer for determining media characteristics.
[0043] As depicted in FIGS. 2A-2B, printer-verifier 200 may be
configured for, scanning the media to determine media
characteristics, printing the image, and/or verifying a print
quality of the image printed on print medium, as hereinafter
described. Additionally or alternatively, printer-verifier 200 may
be configured for printing the image, and a verifier may be
configured for verifying the print quality of the image printed on
print medium. As used herein, the "image" may be text, a line, a
box, a symbol, a barcode, optical character recognition (OCR) text,
etc.
[0044] In some instances, the print media (for example, paper or
labels), when first fed or loaded into the printer, may be
"pre-printed media," which may have at least one pre-printed
document element such as preprinted text, markings, or logos. In
other words, prior to a current print operation, there can be prior
information on the print media that has been imprinted by some
prior print process employing a prior printer, and is referred to
as containing "pre-printed document element", "pre-printed
information", or "pre-printed content."
[0045] In some example embodiments and based on the media
calibration described herein, the printer-verifier 200 may enable
correct horizontal positioning or vertical positioning of a printed
image on a print medium. The term "correct horizontal positioning"
means that the printed image is automatically and consistently
printed as intended, such as within the boundaries of a print area
of the print medium or at the center of the print medium, etc.,
depending on preference. Various embodiments enable positioning the
image to be printed properly with regard to the horizontal or
vertical edges of the print medium, such that the printing is
reliably and consistently in horizontal or vertical register.
Various embodiments enable the horizontal position to be fixed
automatically for each print medium in real-time without user
interaction.
[0046] As used herein, "horizontal direction" refers to the weft
direction perpendicular to the movement of the print media and
parallel to the printhead. As used herein, the term "vertical
direction" refers to the direction parallel with the movement of
the print media.
[0047] As used herein, "media characteristic" refers to information
regarding a media that can be determined by analyzing image
characteristic values obtained from a line scanner scanning the
media. Examples of media characteristic include media type, gap or
blackmark size, media horizontal width, media vertical length, or
the like.
[0048] As used herein, the term "image characteristic values"
refers to one or more values associated with an image that
represent lightness, darkness, or color information such as
grayscale values, values of color value scales, or other applicable
values that may represent lightness, darkness, or color information
in an image. Image characteristic values may be stored in an image
characteristic profile.
[0049] As used herein, "media type" refers to pre-defined
categorization of media, such as gap, continuous, or blackmark
media. As used herein, "media profile" refers to a bitmap image
characteristic profile associated with a media type to be compared
with samples of a captured image of the media. For example, a gap
media type defines at least one gap threshold and defines that if
one or more image characteristic values associated with one or more
sampled lines decrease by an amount that exceeds a threshold, a
media associated with the one or more image characteristic values
are determined to be gap media type. In another example, a
continuous media profile defines at least one continuous threshold
and defines that if one or more image characteristic values
associated with one or more sampled lines do not increase or
decrease by an amount that exceeds a threshold, a media associated
with the one or more image characteristic values are determined to
be continuous media type. In another example, a blackmark media
profile defines at least one blackmark darkness threshold and a
black mark size threshold and defines that if one or more image
characteristic value graphs increase or decrease by more than the
blackmark darkness threshold for more than a blackmark size
threshold, a media associated with the one or more image
characteristic values are determined to be blackmark media type. In
some embodiments, the media profile and one or more thresholds
defined in the media profile may be pre-defined. Alternatively or
additionally, a processor may generate a media profile in real-time
and/or in semi-real time.
[0050] FIG. 1 illustrates some elements of example media 100A. The
media 100A includes label 102 and media liner 104. The media 100A
may further include printed document elements such as text (in any
known alphabet), numbers, mathematical or musical symbols,
geometric forms, shapes, and symbols, and icons. As can be seen in
FIG. 1, the printed content is printed at or near the edge of the
label. As is described herein, the disclosed methods and systems
enable continuous media calibration so as to enable the printer to
accurately print at or near the edges of the label.
II. Example Apparatus for Implementing Embodiments of the Present
Disclosure
[0051] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as
apparatus and systems for determining media characteristics and
calibrating the printer based on the determined
characteristics.
[0052] The present system and method are applicable to different
kinds of printers, including but not limited to laser printers, LED
printers, inkjet printers, thermal printers, dot matrix printers,
and others. For convenience, an exemplary laser printer is
illustrated and discussed in some exemplary embodiments below, and
these embodiments can be employed on other kinds of printers as
well.
A. Printer and Printer with Verifier/Scanner
[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2B, an exemplary printer-verifier
200 capable of printing on print media 212 is partially shown. The
depicted printer-verifier 200 of FIG. 2A has a body 218 for
enclosing an interior thereof. The printer-verifier 200 further
comprises a power source and a moveable cover for accessing the
interior and any components therein.
[0054] In various embodiments, the printer-verifier 200 is a
thermal transfer printer-verifier that includes a ribbon supply
spindle 230 contained within the body 218. A ribbon supply roll 208
is configured to be disposed on the ribbon supply spindle 230. The
ribbon supply roll 208 comprises ink ribbon 202 wound on a ribbon
supply spool 204. The ink ribbon supplies the media (e.g., ink)
that transfers onto the print media. The printer-verifier 200 may
further comprise a thermal printhead 216 utilized to thermally
transfer a portion of ink from the ink ribbon 202 to the print
media 212 as the ink ribbon is unwound from the ribbon supply spool
204 along a ribbon path (arrow B in FIG. 2A), and the print media
212 is unwound from a media supply spool 214 along a media path
(arrow C in FIG. 2A).
[0055] A media supply roll 210 comprises the print media 212 wound
on the media supply spool 214. A media supply spindle 232 on which
the media supply roll 210 is configured to be disposed is contained
within the body 218. In some embodiments, the print media 212 may
be pre-printed media that may include at least one pre-printed
document element such as preprinted text, markings, or logos.
ribbon rewind spindle 234 on which unwound ribbon is wound up may
also be contained within the body 218. A ribbon take-up 206 may be
disposed on the ribbon rewind spindle 234, although the ribbon
take-up 206 on the ribbon rewind spindle 234 may not be
necessary.
[0056] The printer-verifier 200 may further comprise one or more
motors for rotating the ribbon supply spindle 230 and the ribbon
supply roll 208 disposed thereon (if present) in a forward (arrow A
in FIG. 2A) or a backward rotational direction (dependent on the
ink surface), for rotating the media supply roll 210 disposed on
the media supply spindle 232 in a forward rotational direction, and
for rotating the ribbon rewind spindle 234. In a thermal direct
printer-verifier, the ribbon supply spool, the ribbon rewind spool,
and the ribbon may be eliminated and a thermally sensitive paper
replaces the print media. These components are also included in a
printer-verifier 200 as hereinafter described.
[0057] The printer-verifier 200 may include a GUI 222 for
communication between a user and the printer-verifier 200. The GUI
222 may be communicatively coupled to the other components of the
printer-verifier for displaying visual and/or auditory information
and receiving information from the user (e.g., typed, touched,
spoken, etc.). As depicted in FIG. 2A, the body 218 of the
printer-verifier 200 may include the GUI 222 with, for example, a
display 224 and a keypad 226 with function buttons 228 that may be
configured to perform various typical printing functions (e.g.,
cancel print job, advance print media, and the like) or be
programmable for the execution of macros containing preset printing
parameters for a particular type of print media. The graphical user
interface (GUI) 222 may be supplemented or replaced by other forms
of data entry or printer control, such as a separate data entry and
control module linked wirelessly or by a data cable operationally
coupled to a computer, a router, or the like. The GUI 222 may be
operationally/communicatively coupled to a processor (CPU) 220 for
controlling the operation of the printer-verifier 200, in addition
to other functions. In some embodiments, the user interface may be
different from the one depicted in FIG. 2A. In some embodiments,
there may not be a user interface.
[0058] Referring now to FIG. 2B, an example block diagram of the
printer-verifier 200 is shown. The printer-verifier 200 may
comprise the processor 220, a memory 240 communicatively coupled to
the processor 220, and a power source. The printer may further
comprise a communications module 242 communicatively coupled to one
or more of the other printer components.
[0059] The central processing unit (CPU) (i.e., the processor 220)
is the electronic circuitry within a computer that carries out the
instructions of a computer program by performing the basic
arithmetic, logical, control and input/output (I/O) operations
specified by the instructions as hereinafter described. The
printer-verifier 200 may be communicatively connected using the
communications module 242 to a computer or a network 244 via a
wired or wireless data link. In a wireless configuration, the
communications module 242 may communicate with a host device over
the network 244 via a variety of communication protocols (e.g.,
WI-FI.RTM. BLUETOOTH.RTM.), CDMA, TDMA, or GSM). In accordance with
various embodiments of the present disclosure, the memory 240 is
configured to store a media type determination program 246, a media
profile 248, an offset value 250, and a drifting offset value 252
as hereinafter described.
[0060] Still referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, an imaging circuitry 236
is disposed in the printer-verifier 200 and is configured to
capture a representation of the print media (e.g., barcode 254 on
print medium 212 within pre-defined window 256), using a line
scanner 258 (i.e., the imaging circuitry 236 comprises the line
scanner 258) to obtain a captured image. The line scanner 258
comprises one or more line scanner sensors 260 for scanning an
image. The line scanner 258 scans the print medium 212 as the line
scanner 258 and print medium 212 are in relative motion with each
other. Electronic signals from the photo sensors are used to create
one or more images, such as grayscale or colored images.
[0061] The processor 220 is further configured to determine if the
captured image conforms to the media profile 248 by generating one
or more image characteristic value graphs based on the captured
image and analyzing the one or more image characteristic value
graphs using thresholds defined in the media profile.
[0062] Referring now to FIG. 3, an example printer 328
communicatively coupled to verifier 302 in system 300 for printing
an image is shown. Printer 328 may be similar to the
printer-verifier 200 depicted in FIGS. 2A-2B, except that the
imaging circuitry of the verifier is separated from the printer in
system 300. In this regard, printer 328 has a body for enclosing an
interior thereof. The printer 328 further comprises a power source
and a moveable cover for accessing the interior. Similar to the
printer-verifier 200 described above in connection with FIGS.
2A-2B, the printer 328 may comprise a ribbon supply spindle
contained within the body. A ribbon supply roll is configured to be
disposed on the ribbon supply spindle. The ribbon supply roll ink
ribbon wound on a ribbon supply spool. The ink ribbon supplies the
media (e.g., ink) that transfers onto the print media.
[0063] Similar to the printer-verifier 200 described above in
connection with FIGS. 2A-2B, the printer 328 may further comprise a
thermal printhead utilized to thermally transfer a portion of ink
from the ink ribbon to the print media, as the ink ribbon unwinding
from the ribbon supply spool along a ribbon path and the print
media unwinding from a media supply spool along a media path. In
some embodiments, the print media may be pre-printed media that may
have at least one pre-printed document element such as preprinted
text, markings, or logos. A media supply roll comprises the print
media wound on the media supply spool. A media supply spindle (on
which the media supply roll is configured to be disposed) is
contained within the body. A ribbon rewind spindle on which unwound
ribbon is wound up may also be contained within the body. A ribbon
take-up may be disposed on the ribbon rewind spindle, although the
ribbon take-up on the ribbon rewind spindle may not be
necessary.
[0064] The printer 328 may further comprise one or more motors for
rotating the ribbon supply spindle and the ribbon supply roll
disposed thereon (if present) in a forward or a backward rotational
direction (dependent on the ink surface), for rotating the media
supply roll disposed on the media supply spindle in a forward
rotational direction, and for rotating the ribbon rewind spindle.
In a direct transfer printer-verifier, the ribbon supply spool, the
ribbon rewind spool, and the ribbon may be eliminated and a
thermally sensitive paper substituted for the print media.
[0065] Similar to the printer-verifier 200 described above in
connection with FIGS. 2A-2B, the printer 328 may further comprise a
processor, a memory communicatively coupled to the processor, and a
power source. The printer may further comprise a communications
module communicatively coupled to one or more of the other printer
components. The printer 328 may have a fewer or greater number of
components as hereinafter described.
[0066] The verifier 302 comprises imaging circuitry 336, a memory
(a verifier memory 314) communicatively coupled to the imaging
circuitry 336 and a central processing unit (CPU) (herein a
"verifier processor" 310) communicatively coupled to the verifier
memory 314 and imaging circuitry 336. The verifier 302 may further
comprise an I/O module 322 and a verifier communication module
316.
[0067] The subsystems in the verifier 302 of FIG. 3 are
electrically connected via a coupler (e.g., wires, traces, etc.) to
form an interconnection subsystem. The interconnection system may
include power buses or lines, data buses, instruction buses,
address buses, etc., that allow operation of the modules/subsystems
and the interaction there between. The I/O module 322 may include a
verifier graphical user interface. In various embodiments, the
verifier 302 may be communicatively connected using the verifier
communication module 316 to the computer or the network 318 via a
wired or wireless data link. In a wireless configuration for the
wireless data link, the verifier communication module 316 may
communicate with a host device, such as the computer, or the
network 318, via a variety of communication protocols (e.g.,
WI-FI.RTM., BLUETOOTH.RTM., NEC.RTM., RFID.RTM.), CDMA, TDMA, or
GSM). The verifier memory 314 may store a media type determination
program 320, the media profile 323, the offset 324, and the
drifting offset 326.
[0068] While FIG. 3 depicts a verifier memory 314 and a verifier
processor 310 in the verifier 302, it is to be understood that only
the printer 328 or only the verifier 302, or both the printer 328
and verifier 302 communicatively coupled thereto may comprise the
memory and the processor for executing the steps as hereinafter
described (i.e., at least one of the verifier and the printer
comprises a memory communicatively coupled to the imaging circuitry
and a processor communicatively coupled to the imaging circuitry
and memory). The verifier 302 that is attached to the printer may
rely on the memory and the processor of printer for executing the
steps as hereinafter described while the verifier 302 that is a
standalone device has its own verifier memory 314 and verifier
processor 310 for executing the steps as hereinafter described.
Additionally, or alternatively, the printer may rely on the
verifier memory 314 and the verifier processor 310 of verifier 302
attached to the printer for executing the steps as hereinafter
described.
[0069] The imaging circuitry 336 disposed in verifier 302 is
configured to capture a representation of the print, using a line
scanner (i.e., the imaging circuitry 236 comprises the line
scanner) to obtain a captured image. The line scanner comprises one
or more line scanner sensors for scanning an image. The line
scanner scans the print medium 312 as the line scanner and print
medium 312 are in relative motion with each other. Electronic
signals from the line scanner sensors may be used to create
grayscale or colored image.
[0070] While a thermal transfer printer-verifier and printer are
described, it is to be understood that various embodiments of the
present disclosure may be used in other types of printers (e.g.,
ink-drop printer, laser-toner printer, etc.). It is also to be
understood that the print media can be supplied from other than a
media supply spindle (e.g., in a "fan-fold" configuration).
B. Printer with a Line Scanner
[0071] FIG. 4 illustrates some elements of an exemplary printer 400
in a cross-sectional, schematic view. While FIG. 4 illustrates a
laser printer, it is noted that thermal printers and thermal
printheads may also be utilized in conjunction with embodiments of
the disclosure.
[0072] Printer 400 employs a laser 436 (for example, a
semiconductor laser) to project laser light 420 onto an
electrically charged, rotating cylindrical photoreceptor drum 428
(also referred to a "printhead 428"). The laser light 420 is
suitably modulated (via printer electronics, discussed below) in
accordance with a rasterized image (and/or rasterized text) on a
source document page.
[0073] Photoconductivity on the photoreceptor drum 428 allows the
charged electrons to fall away from the areas exposed to light.
Powdered ink (toner) 412 particles are then electrostatically
attracted to the charged areas of the photoreceptor drum 428 that
have not been laser-beamed. Print media 401a, such as paper or
other print media (such as acetate or labels, etc.), is passed
through printer 400 by mechanical feed elements, such as paper
guides/rollers 430. The print media 401a is transferred along paper
path/direction 444. Along path/direction 444, the print media 401a
makes contact with the photoreceptor drum 428. The photoreceptor
drum 428 then transfers the image onto print media 401a by direct
contact. Finally the paper or other print media 401a is passed onto
a fuser 426, which uses intense heat to instantly fuse the
toner/image onto the paper. The result is printed document 401b,
which is imprinted with the durable, persistent image of the
original raster-scanned page view.
[0074] Exemplary printer 400 may employ other elements as well. One
or more motors and other electromechanical mechanisms are typically
employed for purposes such as rotating the polygonal mirror which
may be part of optics 418; driving the paper guides/rollers 430
which propel print media 401a through the printer: rotating
photoreceptor drum 428 and other rotary-elements; and generally
effectuating transfer of print media 401a and materials within
printer 400.
[0075] A variety of internal sensors may also be present in printer
400. For example, sensor 434a may monitor the temperature and/or
pressure of fuser 426. Sensor 434b may monitor the amount of toner
412 left in toner hopper 414. Other sensors may monitor paper
movement, the amount of electric charge on various elements, the
rotary speed of various rotating elements, and other aspects of
operations of printer 400. Some elements of printer 400 may have
built-in sensors. Sensors are useful for monitoring the operational
status of printer 400, and for identifying and reporting
operational problems or errors.
[0076] A motherboard 402 typically holds and interconnects various
microchips used to control and monitor printer 400. Motherboard 402
may include, for example and without limitation, a central
processing unit (CPU) or MCU 404, static memory 406, raster memory,
dynamic/volatile memory 408, control circuits (ASICs) 410, and
system bus 416.
[0077] A central processing unit (CPU) (or microcontroller unit
(MCU)) 404 provides overall operational control of printer 400.
This includes monitoring printer operations via sensors 434a and
434b, and directing printer operations via various application
specific integrated circuits (ASICs) 410 discussed further
below.
[0078] Static memory 406 may store non-volatile operational code
(such as internal device drivers) for printer 400. CPU/MCU 404 may
employ the code stored in static memory 406 in order to maintain
the operational control of printer 400.
[0079] Volatile printer raster memory 408, such as dynamic RAM
(DRAM), may be used to store data received from external computers,
such as page descriptions, raster images, and other data pertinent
to the printing of particular documents.
[0080] Control of printer 400 may be maintained in various ways. In
some embodiments, CPU/MCU 404 of printer 400 may directly control
various elements of the printer (such as motors and other
mechanical servers, etc.). In other instances, control may be
effectuated by CPU/MCU 404 via various Application Specific
Integrated Circuits (ASICs) 410, which act as intermediary control
circuits 410.
[0081] Control circuits 410 may support such functions as external
input/output (for example, via USB ports, an Ethernet port, or
wireless communications): a control interface for a user control
panel or wireless remote on the outside of the printer; mechanical
control of motors and other electromechanical elements; and control
of laser 436. In some embodiments of the printer 400, some or all
control circuits 410 may not be on motherboard 402, and may instead
by integrated directly in laser 436, fuser 426, toner hopper 414,
and into various other electromechanical elements of printer
400.
[0082] A system bus 416 may serve to transfer data and messages
between elements of motherboard 402, and between motherboard 402
and various other microchips, controllers, and sensors 434a and
434b of printer 400.
[0083] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, different
printers 400 may implement these steps described above in distinct
ways, and some elements may be referred to by other terms or
generic terms. For example, the elements directly responsible for
printing onto the print media 401a may be referred to generically
as the printhead 428. In exemplary printer 400, either the
photoreceptor drum 428 alone, or possibly the photoreceptor drum
428 in combination with fuser 426, may be thought of as the
printhead 428. As another example, LED printers use a linear array
of light-emitting diodes to "write" the light on the drum, and the
array of light-emitting diodes may be referred to as the printhead
428. As another example, a thermal printer uses a heat-emitting
element as the printhead 428.
[0084] In various embodiments of a printer 400, the toner 412 is
based on either wax or plastic, so that when the paper passes
through the fuser 426, the particles of toner melt. The fuser 426
can be an infrared oven, a heated pressure roller, or (on some very
fast, expensive printers) a xenon flash lamp. The warm-up process
that a laser printer goes through when power is initially applied
to the printer consists mainly of heating the fuser element.
[0085] In various embodiments of a printer 400, a scanner 405 that
includes a line scanner may be included in the printer 400. As may
be appreciated from FIG. 4, the scanner 405 may be structurally
situated within printer 400 so that the scanner 405 may scan print
media 401a when the paper has not yet been imprinted by printer
400. The scanner 405 may include one or more line scanner sensors.
During scanning, one or more of the line scanner sensors or the
printed media 401A may be physically moving. In some embodiments,
the scanner 405 is positioned along paper path/direction 444 so as
to be before or after the photoreceptor drum or printhead 428 along
paper path/direction 444. In any case, the scanner 405 may scan the
print media 401a before printing.
[0086] As described above, various embodiments of the present
disclosure may be employed in a thermal printer. A thermal printer
may have many elements in common with the exemplary
printer-verifier 200 of FIGS. 2A-2B, printer 328 of FIG. 3, printer
400 of FIG. 4, including (for example and without limitation) a
paper tray or paper trays, paper guides/rollers, a scanner, a
motherboard with a variety of appropriate microchips, and other
elements. Some of these elements may be arranged or configured
differently for a thermal printer as compared to a laser printer. A
thermal printer also has a printhead, but the printhead of a
thermal printer may be distinctive in design from the printhead of
a laser printer.
III. Example Method for Implementing Example Embodiments of the
Present Disclosure
[0087] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an exemplary method 500 for
determining media characteristic, such as media type, media size,
or the like, of a media associated with a printer, such as printer
400 that employs a scanner 405 as described above. The method and
flowchart highlight the main steps of an exemplary embodiment,
details of which are further described in connection with FIGS.
8-11.
[0088] It will be understood that exemplary method 500 may
performed by a hardware processor (such as processor 220, processor
404, verifier processor 310, or the like) of an exemplary printer,
in conjunction with or controlled by suitable computer code which
implements the method. The code may be encoded directly into either
of the logic of processor 220, processor 404, or verifier processor
310, or may be stored as firmware in a static memory (such as
static memory 406, static memory associated with verifier memory
314, static memory associated with memory 240 or the like), or may
be part of device driver code stored (for example, volatile printer
raster memory 408, verifier memory 314, memory 240, or the like).
In an alternative embodiment, the method 500 may be performed in
whole or in part by a hardware processor of an external computer
which is linked to a printer by a suitable wired or wireless
communications means.
[0089] Method 500 begins with step 505, where the printer receives
or otherwise accesses one or more media profiles. In some
embodiments, each of the one or more media profiles may be
associated with a media type. The one or more media profiles may be
stored in printer raster memory 408, static memory 406, or verifier
memory 314. In some embodiments, the one or more media profiles may
include a gap media type, a blackmark media type, and a continuous
media type. Whereas in alternative or additional examples, the
processor may generate a media profile in real-time and in
semi-real time.
[0090] In some embodiments and in an instance in which media is
scanned with a verifier, scanner, or the like, image characteristic
values such as grayscale or color values may be stored. As such, in
some examples, a gap media type may define at least one gap
threshold. For example, if one or more image characteristic values
associated with one or more sampled lines decrease by an amount
that exceeds a threshold, a media associated with the one or more
image characteristic values may be determined to be a gap media
type. In some embodiments, a continuous media profile may define at
least one continuous threshold. For example, if one or more image
characteristic values associated with one or more sampled lines do
not increase or decrease by an amount that exceeds a threshold, a
media associated with the one or more image characteristic values
may be determined to be a continuous media type. In some
embodiments, a blackmark media profile may define at least one
blackmark darkness threshold and a black mark size threshold. For
example, if one or more image characteristic value graphs increase
or decrease by more than the blackmark darkness threshold for more
than a blackmark size threshold, a media associated with the one or
more image characteristic values are determined to be blackmark
media type. Additional details regarding the example media types
are described with reference to FIG. 7.
[0091] In step 510 of method 500, a scanner 405 may scan a new
sheet of media 401a to generate a captured image of the media. The
captured image may be stored in printer raster memory 408. In some
embodiments, the image scanner 405 is a line scanner that includes
one or more line scanner sensors. In some embodiments, the line
scanner sensor and/or the media physically moves during the
scanning. The direction where the media moves may be defined as the
vertical direction. In some embodiments, the captured image may be
incrementally generated as the line scanner sensor and/or the media
physically moves during the scanning. Additional details regarding
scanning of the media 401a and generation of captured image are
described in more detail with reference to FIG. 8.
[0092] In step 515 of method 500, method 500 determines whether a
captured vertical length of the captured image at least equals to
(e.g., equals to or exceeds) a pre-defined vertical length. In some
embodiments, the pre-defined vertical length may be defined by the
one or more media profiles. In some embodiments, if the method 500
determines that a captured vertical length of the captured image at
least equals to the pre-defined vertical length, method 500 may
proceed to step 520. In some embodiments, if the method 500
determines that a captured vertical length of the captured image is
less than the pre-defined vertical length, method 500 may continue
step 510 and continue scanning of the media. In some embodiments,
vertical length of the captured image may be represented by a
number of pixels in the vertical direction on the captured image.
The number of the pixels may correspond with a physical vertical
length based on a vertical movement speed of the media and a scan
rate of the one or more line scanner sensors.
[0093] In step 520 of method 500, based on the detection of 515,
upon determining that the captured vertical length of the captured
image at least equals to the pre-defined vertical length, method
500 may determine a media characteristic, such as a media type,
media horizontal width, or the like, associated with the media
based at least on the captured image and the one or more media
profiles. Additional details regarding determining a media type
associated with the media are described in more detail with
reference to FIG. 7. Additional details regarding determining a
media horizontal width associated with the media are described in
more detail with reference to FIG. 9.
[0094] In an embodiment, after determining the media type
associated with the media, method 500 may end. In an embodiment,
the printer 200 or 400 may generate and/or update one or more
configurations for calibrating the printer based on the determined
media characteristic associated with the media to be printed then
proceed to print on the media. In some embodiments, the printer 200
or 400 may adjust one or more of components based on the determined
media characteristic before printing on the media. For example, the
printer 200 or 400 may adjust a label stop sensor position or a
label stop position based on the determined media type.
[0095] In alternative embodiments consistent with the scope of the
appended claims, some steps described above may be deleted or
added, and some steps may be performed in a different order or
manner.
[0096] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary scan of a media and
associated generation of a captured image of the media according to
various embodiments of the present disclosure. The media may
include, by way of example, label 612 and media liner 616. In some
embodiments, a line scanner sensor embedded within the scanner 405
or the verifier 302 may be utilized. The line scanner sensor may
capture two consecutive windows 610A and 610B in different times
(e.g., 610A may be captured from 1 second to 4 seconds after
initiation of scanning and 610B may be captured from 2 seconds to 5
seconds after initiation of scanning) by scanning a portion of the
media. In some embodiments, the line scanner sensor may scan the
same physical location with regard to the line scanner sensor;
because the media is moving during the scanning, the two
consecutive windows 610A and 610B captured in different times
represent different portions of the media. In some embodiments, a
captured image may be continuously generated while the line scanner
sensors scan the media. In some embodiments, the captured image may
include all output of the line scanner sensors while scanning the
media. In some embodiments, the captured image may only include an
overlapping captured window 614 of the two windows 610A and
610B.
[0097] In some embodiments, two line scanner sensors embedded
within the scanner 405 may be utilized. Each line scanner sensor
may be configured to scan a portion of the media, and each line
scanner sensor may begin the scan in different starting physical
locations (which may be pre-defined). The line scanner sensors may
continuously scan the media while the media and/or the image
scanner moves in the vertical direction. In some embodiments, the
output of each line scanner sensor may be the window 610A or 610B
associated with the line scanner sensor captured by each of the two
line scanner sensors.
[0098] In some embodiments, the continuous generation of the
captured image may stop after the vertical length of the captured
image, which corresponds to the direction of movement of the media
and/or the line scanner, at least equals to a pre-defined vertical
length and/or a pre-defined horizontal width.
[0099] As described above and will be discussed in further details,
the captured image may be analyzed against a media profile received
by the printer. In some embodiments, the result of the analysis may
be a determination of a media characteristic, such as media type,
width, length, or the like, associated with the media.
[0100] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an exemplary method 700
illustrating additional details of an exemplary method for
determining media type of a media according to various embodiments
of the present disclosure.
[0101] Method 700 begins with step 705, where the printer generates
one or more image characteristic value graphs based on the captured
image. Example image characteristic value graphs are illustrated in
FIG. 8. An example image characteristic value graph may be in the
form of a grayscale value graph, a color scale value graph, or the
like. In some embodiments, the one or more image characteristic
value graphs may be generated by using one or more pre-defined
vertical sample lines 1, 2, and X associated with the captured
image and extracting image characteristic values along each of the
pre-defined vertical sample lines 1,2, and X. As illustrated in
FIG. 8, the one or more image characteristic value graphs 802, 804,
806, 808, 810, and 812 may each correspond to a particular window.
In some embodiments, the vertical axis of the image characteristic
value graphs represents bitmap image characteristic value and the
horizontal axis of the image characteristic value graphs correspond
to locations on the sample lines. In some embodiments, as the
captured images are being continuous generated while the media
moves in the vertical direction, the one or more image
characteristic value graphs may be accordingly propagated
horizontally.
[0102] In step 710 of method 700, method 700 identifies one or more
increases or decreases of image characteristic value in the image
characteristic value graphs. In some examples, an increase or
decrease may be identified based on a change that exceeds a
predetermined amount. Alternatively or additionally, a change may
be identified based on a particular image characteristic value.
[0103] In step 715 of method 700, method 700 compares the one or
more increases or decreases of image characteristic values with one
or more thresholds defined in the media profiles. In step 720 of
method 700, method 700 determines the media type of the media based
on the comparison in step 715. Alternatively or additionally, an
increase or decrease of image characteristic values may be
identified and one or media profiles may be generated, based on
pattern identification, machine learning and/or the like.
Additional details regarding generation of media profiles are
described in conjunction with FIG. 11.
[0104] For example, one or more decreases of image characteristic
values in the one or more image characteristic value graphs may be
compared with a gap threshold defined by a gap media profile
previously received in step 505 of FIG. 5. If the one or more
decreases of image characteristic values exceeds the gap threshold,
method 700 may determine that the media is associated with the gap
media type. If the one or more decreases of image characteristic
values do not exceed the gap threshold, method 700 may determine
that the media is not associated with the gap media type.
[0105] In some embodiments, decreases of image characteristic
values exceeding the gap threshold may be required for one or more
image characteristic value graphs for one particular window for the
determination of gap media type.
[0106] In another example, one or more image characteristic values
in the one or more image characteristic value graphs may be
compared with a continuous threshold defined by a continuous media
profile previously received in step 505 of FIG. 5. If the one or
more image characteristic values in the one or more image
characteristic value graphs do not increase or decrease by more
than the continuous threshold, method 700 may determine that the
media is associated with the continuous media type. In some
embodiments, image characteristic values that do not increase or
decrease by more than the continuous threshold may be required for
all image characteristic value graphs for all capturing windows for
the determination of continuous media type.
[0107] In another example, one or more image characteristic values
in the one or more image characteristic value graphs may be
compared with a blackmark darkness threshold defined by a blackmark
media profile previously received in step 505 of FIG. 5. If the one
or more image characteristic values in the one or more image
characteristic value graphs do not increase or decrease by more
than by more than the blackmark darkness threshold for a length
defined by a blackmark size threshold. In some embodiments, the
blackmark darkness and the blackmark size threshold are defined by
the blackmark media profile, method 900 may determine that the
media is associated with the blackmark media type.
[0108] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an exemplary method 900
illustrating additional details for determining horizontal width of
a media according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
As illustrated in FIG. 9, method 900 begins with step 905, where
the printer generates one or more image characteristic value graphs
based on the captured image. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the one or
more image characteristic value graphs may be generated using one
or more horizontal sample lines 1, 2, and X to sample on the
captured image to determine width associated with the media.
Similar to the image characteristic value graphs illustrated in
FIG. 8, in some embodiments, the vertical axis of the image
characteristic value graphs represents bitmap image characteristic
value and the horizontal axis of the image characteristic value
graphs correspond to locations on the sample lines. In some
embodiments, a distance between two points in the horizontal axis
of the image characteristic value graphs may be converted to a
width in the physical world based on a scanning resolution
indicated as a scanning dots per inch (DPI) that is pre-defined.
Movement speed of media controlled by the one or more motors and a
scan line frequency associated with the line scanner may control
the scanning DPI.
[0109] For each of the image characteristic value graphs generated,
in step 910 of method 900, method 900 detects one or more changes
of image characteristic value that exceeds a threshold. In some
embodiments, the threshold may be pre-defined.
[0110] In step 915 of method 900, method 900 identify a first point
and a second point based on the identified changes of image
characteristic value. In some embodiments, the first point is
associated with a decrease of image characteristic value that
exceeds the threshold. In some embodiments, the second point is
associated with an increase of image characteristic value that
exceeds the threshold.
[0111] In step 920 of method 900, method 900 generates a pulse
width based on the distance between the first point and the second
point. In some embodiments, pulse width is a width that corresponds
with the distance between the first point and the second point.
Steps 910 to 920 may be repeated for one or more image
characteristic value graphs that correspond with one or more sample
lines to generate one or more pulse widths.
[0112] In step 925 of method 900, method 900 generates measurement
of width based on the one or more pulse widths. In some
embodiments, method 900 generates measurement of width by averaging
all the pulse widths generated. Alternatively or additionally,
method 900 may generate measurement of width by assigning different
sample lines different weights and may generate the measurement of
width by generating a weighted average of the one or more pulse
widths based on the assigned weights of sample lines associated
with the one or more pulse widths.
[0113] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an exemplary method 1100
illustrating additional details for generating media profiles
according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0114] Method 1100 begins with step 1105, where the printer
generates a bitmap image characteristic profile based on a scanning
of media. In some embodiments, the scanning of media may be the
scanning previously described in conjunction with FIGS. 5 to 10.
The bitmap image characteristic profile may include one or more
image characteristic value graphs and one or more features
generated based on the one or more image characteristic value
graphs. The one or more features may include, by way of example,
one or more detected changes in image characteristic values in one
or more sample lines, one or more image characteristic value change
thresholds calculated based on the one or more detected changes,
one or more positional thresholds associated with physical distance
represented by the one or more image characteristic value graphs,
or the like. In some embodiments, the one or more features may
be
[0115] In step 1110 of method 1100, the printer may detect an
indication with regard to the media type associated with the
scanned media. For example, the printer may receive an input
associated with a manually adjusted position of a label stop
sensor. The printer may be configured to correspond each possible
position of the label stop sensor with a media type. Accordingly,
after the printer receives the input associated with a manually
adjusted position of a label stop sensor, the printer may identify
the media type associated with the manually adjusted position. In
another example, the printer may detect that the scanned media is
associated with a particular media type after printing on the media
type.
[0116] In step 1115 of method 1100, the printer may associate the
bitmap image characteristic profile with the media type indicated
by the indication in step 1110 and store the bitmap image
characteristic profile as a media profile associated with the media
type. In some embodiments, the bitmap image characteristic profile
may include the one or more image characteristic value graphs and
one or more features generated based on the one or more image
characteristic value graphs. In some embodiments, more than one
media profile may be associated with one media type.
IV. Additional Implementation Details
[0117] It will be understood that each block of the flowcharts, and
combinations of blocks in the flowcharts, may be implemented by
various means, such as hardware, firmware, one or more processors,
circuitry and/or other devices associated with execution of
software including one or more computer program instructions. For
example, one or more of the procedures described above may be
embodied by computer program instructions. In this regard, the
computer program instructions which embody the procedures described
above may be stored by a memory of an apparatus employing an
embodiment of the present invention and executed by a processor in
the apparatus. As will be appreciated, any such computer program
instructions may be loaded onto a computer or other programmable
apparatus (e.g., hardware) to produce a machine, such that the
resulting computer or other programmable apparatus provides for
implementation of the functions specified in the flowcharts'
block(s). These computer program instructions may also be stored in
a non-transitory computer-readable storage memory that may direct a
computer or other programmable apparatus to function in a
particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the
computer-readable storage memory produce an article of manufacture,
the execution of which implements the function specified in the
flowcharts' block(s). The computer program instructions may also be
loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus to cause a
series of operations to be performed on the computer or other
programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process
such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other
programmable apparatus provide operations for implementing the
functions specified in the flowcharts' block(s). As such, the
operations of FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, when executed, convert a computer
or processing circuitry into a particular machine configured to
perform an example embodiment of the present invention.
Accordingly, the operations of FIG. 5 and FIG. 7 define an
algorithm for configuring a computer or processor, to perform an
example embodiment. In some cases, a general purpose computer may
be provided with an instance of the processor which performs the
algorithm of FIG. 5 and FIG. 7 to transform the general purpose
computer into a particular machine configured to perform an example
embodiment.
[0118] Accordingly, blocks/steps of the flowchart support
combinations of means for performing the specified functions and
combinations of operations for performing the specified functions.
It will also be understood that one or more blocks of the
flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart, can be
implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems
which perform the specified functions, or combinations of special
purpose hardware and computer instructions.
[0119] In the specification and figures, typical embodiments of the
disclosure have been disclosed. The present disclosure is not
limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of the term "and/or"
includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated
listed items. The figures are schematic representations and so are
not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific
terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for
purposes of limitation.
[0120] The foregoing detailed description has set forth various
embodiments of the devices and/or processes via the use of block
diagrams, flow charts, schematics, exemplary data structures, and
examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flow charts, schematics,
exemplary data structures, and examples contain one or more
functions and/or operations, each function and/or operation within
such block diagrams, flowcharts, schematics, exemplary data
structures, or examples can be implemented, individually and/or
collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or
virtually any combination thereof.
[0121] In one embodiment, the present subject matter may be
implemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs).
However, the embodiments disclosed herein, in whole or in part, can
be equivalently implemented in standard integrated circuits, as one
or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g.,
as one or more programs running on one or more computer systems),
as one or more programs running on one or more controllers (e.g.,
microcontrollers), as one or more programs running on one or more
processors (e.g., microprocessors), as firmware, or as virtually
any combination thereof.
[0122] In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that
the control mechanisms taught herein are capable of being
distributed as a program product in a variety of tangible forms,
and that an illustrative embodiment applies equally regardless of
the particular type of tangible instruction bearing media used to
actually carry out the distribution. Examples of tangible
instruction bearing media include, but are not limited to, the
following: recordable type media such as floppy disks, hard disk
drives, CD ROMs, digital tape, flash drives, and computer
memory.
[0123] The various embodiments described above can be combined to
provide further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to
the present systems and methods in light of the above-detailed
description. Accordingly, the disclosure is not limited by the
disclosure, but instead its scope is to be determined by the
following claims.
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