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 medium feeding system for a hardcopy apparatus comprising:—a revolving arrangement for supporting a roll of medium, the revolving arrangement comprising a friction ring, the friction ring rotating around a friction ring rotation axis; and a braking element comprising two pivotally arranged jaws, whereby the friction ring is bitten by said jaws; whereby—the braking element is rotatable around the friction ring rotation axis; and means to push the jaws against the friction ring; and means to pull the jaws away from the friction ring; whereby the means to pull the jaws away from the friction ring are triggered by the rotation of the friction ring.

Abstract: A media-positioning sensor assembly in one embodiment of the invention is disclosed that includes a mechanism and a media-positioning sensor. The mechanism moves back and forth over media along a first axis. The media advances past the mechanism along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The media-positioning sensor is situated on the mechanism and is to detect positioning of the media relative to the mechanism along at least one of the first axis and the second axis.

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: A media-positioning sensor assembly in one embodiment of the invention is disclosed that includes a mechanism and a media-positioning sensor. The mechanism moves back and forth over media along a first axis. The media advances past the mechanism along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The media-positioning sensor is situated on the mechanism and is to detect positioning of the media relative to the mechanism along at least one of the first axis and the second axis.

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 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: 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: 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: 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 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 media advancing device for a hardcopy apparatus includes at least one roller having an outer surface and being rotatable for advancing media, and a negative pressure mechanism. The outer surface further comprises a plurality of openings and a contact region for engaging the media, wherein the negative pressure mechanism is capable of creating negative pressure through at least a portion of the openings in the contact region.

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 printing device includes a print media advancement subsystem for providing accurate and timely print media advancement in the printing device. The print media advancement subsystem includes a vacuum chamber for generating a vacuum force through a platen for holding a print media stationary. In response to receiving a print media advance signal from a controller in the printing device, a sealing plate forming a side of the vacuum chamber is removed from the vacuum chamber. When the sealing plate is removed, the vacuum chamber is substantially open to the atmosphere, causing the vacuum chamber to pressurize. The pressurization of the vacuum chamber results in removal of the vacuum force from the print media, allowing the print media to advance along the top surface of the platen with minimal friction.

Abstract: A vacuum holddown device for a hardcopy apparatus, comprising a printing platen with a pattern of through holes and an underlying vacuum chamber, further comprises a member located therebetween and having a substantially similar pattern of through holes, the member being moveable to align the pattern of holes or not so as to respectively interconnect or disconnect the holes in the printing platen and the vacuum chamber. The member may itself define a secondary chamber with which the holes in the printing platen are in communication when not in communication with the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A media outputting device for a hardcopy apparatus includes a media source and at least one roller having an outer surface with a contact region for engaging media, where the roller is rotatable for outputting the media. The media outputting device also includes a negative pressure mechanism for creating a negative pressure distribution on the contact region where at least one portion of the contact region that is farther from the media source has a greater negative pressure than at least one portion of the contact region that is closer to the media source.