Abstract: A system of classifying incoming media entering an inkjet printing mechanism identifies transparency media without requiring any special manufacturer markings. The media is first optically scanned using a blue-violet light at an initial intensity to obtain both diffuse and specular reflectance data. If useable, the data is compared with known values to classify the media so an optimum print mode tailored for the particular media is used. The early transparency detection system avoids time-consuming further steps trying to classify the media as photo media, plain paper, and the like, and facilitates fast printing of transparencies, which can be critical in the business environment when making last minute changes for a presentation. A printing mechanism constructed to implement this method is also provided.

Abstract: A method of producing an authenticatable document includes providing a media having authentication fibers embedded therein, detecting a presence of at least one of the authentication fibers in the media, and printing authentication indicia on the media after detecting the presence of at least one of the authentication fibers.

Abstract: A cold formed, sheet metal structural member having a first planar web member with two longitudinally extending legs such that the structural member or chord comprises an elongated member of substantially U-shaped cross section being longitudinally symmetric and being closed at one end and open at the other end. The legs are mirror images of each other and terminate with outwardly extending hollow flanges having a margin area juxtaposed to the leg. The bracing web members are slidably receivable within the U-shaped cross section and can be secured to the depending legs by suitable fasteners. A secondary web is positionable on the structural member in parallel relationship to the first web to provide additional resistance for sheathing fasteners.

Abstract: A method of producing an authenticatable document includes providing a media having authentication fibers embedded therein, detecting a presence of at least one of the authentication fibers in the media, and printing authentication indicia on the media after detecting the presence of at least one of the authentication fibers.

Abstract: Drop volume compensation that is at least substantially invariant to the reflectance sensor illuminate being used is disclosed for at least some embodiments of the invention. A method of one embodiment first prints a pattern of a predetermined mixture of colorants that results in at least a substantially identical response from each of a number of reflectance sensors that have different spectral emission profiles. Drop volume compensation is then performed to color balance a first colorant source to a second colorant source, utilizing the mixture of colorants and one of the reflectance sensors. The drop volume compensation is at least substantially invariant to the reflectance sensor utilized.

Abstract: A system of classifying incoming media entering an inkjet printing mechanism identifies transparency media without requiring any special manufacturer markings. The media is first optically scanned using a blue-violet light at an initial intensity to obtain both diffuse and specular reflectance data. If useable, the data is compared with known values to classify the media so an optimum print mode tailored for the particular media is used. The early transparency detection system avoids time-consuming further steps trying to classify the media as photo media, plain paper, and the like, and facilitates fast printing of transparencies, which can be critical in the business environment when making last minute changes for a presentation. A printing mechanism constructed to implement this method is also provided.

Abstract: Drop volume compensation that is at least substantially invariant to the reflectance sensor illuminate being used is disclosed for at least some embodiments of the invention. A method of one embodiment first prints a pattern of a predetermined mixture of colorants that results in at least a substantially identical response from each of a number of reflectance sensors that have different spectral emission profiles. Drop volume compensation is then performed to color balance a first colorant source to a second colorant source, utilizing the mixture of colorants and one of the reflectance sensors. The drop volume compensation is at least substantially invariant to the reflectance sensor utilized.

Abstract: A system of classifying the type of incoming media entering an inkjet or other printing mechanism is provided to identify the media according to markings or identifying indicia on the back surface of the media opposite the printing surface which ultimately bears the printed image. The printing surface of the incoming media is optically scanned using a blue-violet light to obtain both diffuse and specular reflectance values. A spatial frequency signature for the incoming media is compared with known values for different types of media to classify the media according to major categories (transparencies, glossy photo media, premium or plain paper), and specific types of media within these categories (matte photo, premium, or high-gloss photo media). An optimum print mode is selected according to the determined media type to automatically generate outstanding images without bothersome user intervention. A printing mechanism constructed to implement this method is also provided.

Abstract: A system of classifying the type of incoming media entering an inkjet or other printing mechanism is provided to identify the media without requiring any special manufacturer markings. The leading edge of the incoming media is optically scanned using a blue-violet light to obtain both diffuse and specular reflectance values. A Fourier transform of these reflectance values generates a spatial frequency signature for the incoming media. The spatial frequency is compared with known values for different types of media to classify the incoming media according to major categories, such as transparencies, glossy photo media, premium paper and plain paper, as well as specific types of media within these categories, such as matte photo premium media and high-gloss photo media. An optimum print mode is selected according to the determined media type to automatically generate outstanding images without unnecessary user intervention. A printing mechanism constructed to implement this method is also provided.

Abstract: A system of classifying incoming media entering an inkjet printing mechanism identifies the media without requiring any special manufacturer markings. The media is first optically scanned using a blue-violet light at an initial intensity to obtain both diffuse and specular reflectance data. Certain information from the printer driver housed in a host computer or other information may be used to infer time-saving shortcuts about the type of media being supplied to the printing unit. A printing mechanism constructed to implement this method is also provided.

Abstract: A system of classifying incoming media entering an inkjet printing mechanism identifies transparency media without requiring any special manufacturer markings. The media is first optically scanned using a blue-violet light at an initial intensity to obtain both diffuse and specular reflectance data. If useable, the data is compared with known values to classify the media so an optimum print mode tailored for the particular media is used. The early transparency detection system avoids time-consuming further steps trying to classify the media as photo media, plain paper, and the like, and facilitates fast printing of transparencies, which can be critical in the business environment when making last minute changes for a presentation. A printing mechanism constructed to implement this method is also provided.

Abstract: A system of classifying incoming media entering an inkjet printing mechanism identifies the media without requiring any special manufacturer markings. The media is first optically scanned using a blue-violet light at an initial intensity to obtain both diffuse and specular reflectance data. Certain information from the printer driver housed in a host computer or other information may be used to infer time-saving shortcuts about the type of media being supplied to the printing unit. A printing mechanism constructed to implement this method is also provided.

Abstract: A cold formed, elongate, steel metal structural member having a web portion having two longitudinally extending edges, there being a first tubular flange extending along one edge and projecting laterally to both sides of the web and a second tubular flange extending along the opposing edge and projecting laterally to one side only of the web, each of the tubular flange members having an elongate margin juxtaposed the web, one of the tubular flange members having its elongate margin secured to the web member.

Abstract: A metal structural member having an elongate web member having a first side and a second side, a pair of flanges extending laterally from the first side of the web member, each of the flanges having an outer wall member and an end wall member, the end wall member being substantially parallel to the web member wherein one of the flanges further includes an inner wall member in spaced-apart relationship with the outer wall member and extending from the end wall member toward the web and terminating with a lip member formed parallel to and juxtaposed with the web.

Abstract: A system of classifying incoming media entering an inkjet or other printing mechanism is provided to identify the media without requiring any special manufacturer markings. The incoming media is optically scanned using a blue-violet light to obtain both diffuse and specular reflectance data, from which a media signature is generated. The generated signature is compared with known signatures for different media types to classify the incoming media, and a corresponding print mode is selected. Finally, the selected print mode for the classified incoming media is stored for future reference. Thus, a consumer can teach the printing mechanism to recognize new types of media. For borderline media falling between two categories, the printer remembers which category was selected previously, and then applies the same print mode to the next borderline media to provide a visually consistent output. A printing mechanism constructed to implement this method is also provided.

Abstract: An accelerated illuminate response system controls a light emitting diode (“LED”), for instance, in an optical sensor system that monitors ink droplets on a print media in an inkjet printing mechanism to adjust future printing for optimal images. A printhead carriage scans an optical sensor across the printed media to determine droplet location, color and hue. The sensor uses an LED to illuminate the media in response to an LED drive signal, and a photodetector to receive light reflected from the media. The LED drive signal first applies a low level pre-warming current, then a high current pulse for a selected duration, and thereafter a normal drive current during a secondary illuminate response until the LED reaches a selected illumination value at or near steady-state conditions. An inkjet printing mechanism having such an optical sensor system is also provided, along with a method of illuminating an LED.

Abstract: A metal structural member having an elongate web member having a first side and a second side, a pair of flanges extending laterally from the first side of the web member, each of the flanges having an outer wall member and an end wall member, the end wall member being substantially parallel to the web member wherein one of the flanges further includes an inner wall member in spaced-apart relationship with the outer wall member and extending from the end wall member toward the web and terminating with a lip member formed parallel to and juxtaposed with the web.

Abstract: A system of classifying incoming media entering an inkjet printing mechanism identifies the media without requiring any special manufacturer markings. The media is first optically scanned using a blue-violet light at an initial intensity to obtain both diffuse and specular reflectance data. If useable, the data is compared with known values for different types of media to classify the media so an optimum printmode tailored for the particular media type is used. If the initial data is unusable, successive scanning passes are preformed to find useable diffuse data, and if found, then to find useable specular data. During these successive passes, following an initial calibration scan for the media, each successive scan reduces the scanner intensity until reaching a minimum intensity. If upon reaching the minimum intensity, no useable data has been found, then a default printmode is selected. A printing mechanism constructed to implement this method is also provided.

Abstract: A media edge detection method and apparatus for hard copy apparatus uses a scanning-carriage-based optical sensor. Scan reflectance data from the print medium and the platen is compared to calculated shaped data to get a cumulative error. Recursively converging the data to a best fit, the shaped data reflective transition point is substituted as a true edge position.

Abstract: A cold formed, sheet metal structural member having a first planar web member with two longitudinally extending legs such that the structural member or chord comprises an elongated member of substantially U-shaped cross section being longitudinally symmetric and being closed at one end and open at the other end. The legs are mirror images of each other and terminate with outwardly extending hollow flanges having a margin area juxtaposed to the leg. The bracing web members are slidably receivable within the U-shaped cross section and can be secured to the depending legs by suitable fasteners. A secondary web is positionable on the structural member in parallel relationship to the first web to provide additional resistance for sheathing fasteners.