Abstract: A printer device comprising a mechanism adapted to generate an image on an image surface, the device comprising a sensor adapted to image a predetermined optical object located substantially on the image surface, the device being adapted to determine at least one dimension of the object's image and thereby determine the distance separating the mechanism and the image surface.

Abstract: A multicolor-printer has at least a first and a second print station, first and second optical sensors and a surface recordings comparator. The first and second print stations are arranged to print images on a surface of a moving recording medium. The first and second optical sensors view, at the first and second print stations, an area of the recording medium surface to obtain at least one first surface recording, in a manner related to the first print station's image printing, and second surface recordings, respectively. A storage is arranged to store the first surface recording. The surface recordings comparator is arranged to test, during the recording medium movement, for correspondence of second surface recordings with the stored first surface recording.

Abstract: A sensor system for detecting skew in print media along the feed path of a hardcopy device is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention the system is arranged to generate a first image of a area of print media at a first position along the feed path and to generate a second image of the area of print media at a second position along the feed path, the system is arranged to compare the first and second images and thereby detect a change in the angle of skew of the media between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is used to detect and compensate for printhead rotation in an inkjet printer. The detecting operation includes receiving an initial image of a pattern taken from a medium as the printhead passes over the medium, receiving a subsequent image of the pattern taken from the medium as the printhead continues to pass over the medium, comparing the initial image of the pattern and the subsequent image of the pattern taken from the medium and identifying a rotation of the printhead in the ink-jet printer passing over the medium if the comparison indicates the initial image of the pattern is rotated relative to the subsequent image of the pattern. The compensation operation includes modifying the timing settings associated with the firing of the nozzles in the inkjet printhead to compensate for the rotation of the printhead.

Abstract: A sensor system for detecting skew in print media along the feed path of a hardcopy device is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention the system is arranged to generate a first image of a area of print media at a first position along the feed path and to generate a second image of the area of print media at a second position along the feed path, the system is arranged to compare the first and second images and thereby detect a change in the angle of skew of the media between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A sensor system for detecting skew in print media along the feed path of a hardcopy device is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention the system is arranged to generate a first image of a portion of print media at a first position along the feed path and to generate a second image of the portion of print media at a second position along the feed path, the system is arranged to compare the first and second images and thereby detect a change in the angle of skew of the media between the first and second positions.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is disclosed in which media advances at a first speed to an interim position based on signals from a first sensor having a first accuracy. While the media is advancing at the first speed, signals are accumulated from a second sensor having a second accuracy greater than the first accuracy. Upon the media reaching the interim position, an actual position of the media is adjusted based on the signals accumulated from the second sensor.

Abstract: A method of an embodiment of the invention is disclosed that advances media. As the media is advanced, the media is marked to allow for one-dimensional optical sensing of advancement of the media, while accommodating for lateral movement of the media.

Abstract: A method of an embodiment of the invention is disclosed in which a linear imaging array captures a first one pixel-wide image of media, and the media is effectively advanced relative to the linear imaging array. The linear imaging array captures a second one pixel-wide image of the media, and the first and the second one pixel-wide images are compared to determine relative advancement of the media.

Abstract: A method of an embodiment of the invention is disclosed in which a linear imaging array captures a first one pixel-wide image of media, and the media is effectively advanced relative to the linear imaging array. The linear imaging array captures a second one pixel-wide image of the media, and the first and the second one pixel-wide images are compared to determine relative advancement of the media.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is disclosed in which media advances at a first speed to an interim position based on signals from a first sensor having a first accuracy. While the media is advancing at the first speed, signals are accumulated from a second sensor having a second accuracy greater than the first accuracy. Upon the media reaching the interim position, an actual position of the media is adjusted based on the signals accumulated from the second sensor.

Abstract: A method for image recognition. In the method, a section of an element is imaged while the element is at a first speed to obtain a first image pattern. The section of the element is also imaged while the element is at a second speed to obtain a second image pattern. The first speed differs from the second speed. In addition, the apparent speeds of the element in the first image pattern and the second image pattern are made to appear approximately the same.

Abstract: A device for applying solvent to an inkjet printhead, the device being arranged to be mounted in an inkjet printer and comprising an applicator adapted to hold solvent and a positioning mechanism arranged to bring the applicator into contact with a substantial portion of the nozzle area of the printhead at substantially the same time.

Abstract: The printheads of an inkjet printer have a service station movable in a direction transversely of a printhead scanning direction and comprising servicing modules for undertaking different functions, one of the modules being detachable from the rest. The detachable connection comprises a rotating hook and a fixed hook which automatically interengage and disengage.

Abstract: An inkjet printing device comprising a plurality of printheads and a plurality of servicing modules, each module comprising first and second sets of servicing components and being arranged to service exclusively a given printhead, said first set comprising a spittoon and said first or said second set being independently replaceable.

Abstract: The advance of a print media through a hardcopy apparatus is monitored by a separate wheel meeting in contact with the print media surface. An encoder disc is mounted coaxially with the wheel, and its rotary position is detected in non-contact making manner.