Steven K Walker

US Patent:

6352332, Mar 5, 2002

Filed:

Jul 8, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/349734

Inventors:

Steven H. Walker - Camas WA

Assignee:

Hewlett-Packard Company - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

B41J 29393

US Classification:

347 19

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.

US Patent:

6386669, May 14, 2002

Filed:

Sep 29, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/676100

Inventors:

Stuart A. Scofield - Battle Ground WA
Steven H. Walker - Camas WA

Assignee:

Hewlett-Packard Company - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

B41J 2938

US Classification:

347 14, 347105

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.

US Patent:

6400099, Jun 4, 2002

Filed:

Feb 2, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/230853

Inventors:

Steven H. Walker - Camas WA

Assignee:

Hewlett-Packard Company - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

G05F 100

US Classification:

315291, 315360, 315200 A, 347 10, 347 57, 372 38, 250552, 359184, 359198

Abstract:

An accelerated illuminate response system controls a light emitting diode (âLEDâ), 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.

US Patent:

6425650, Jul 30, 2002

Filed:

Oct 13, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/687999

Inventors:

Steven H Walker - Camas WA
Stuart A. Scofield - Battle Ground WA
Jefferson P. Ward - Brush Prairie WA
Huston W. Rice - Vancouver WA

Assignee:

Hewlett-Packard Company - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

B41J 201

US Classification:

347 14, 347 16

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.

US Patent:

6557965, May 6, 2003

Filed:

Oct 31, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/003605

Inventors:

Steven H. Walker - Camas WA
Jennifer Geske - Vancouver WA

Assignee:

Hewlett-Packard Company - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

B41J 2938

US Classification:

347 16, 347105

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.

US Patent:

6561643, May 13, 2003

Filed:

Jun 28, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/607206

Inventors:

Steven H. Walker - Camas WA
Stuart A. Scofield - Battle Ground WA

Assignee:

Hewlett-Packard Co. - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

B41J 201

US Classification:

347105, 25055901, 25055911

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.

US Patent:

6585341, Jul 1, 2003

Filed:

Aug 30, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/651769

Inventors:

Steven H. Walker - Camas WA
Stuart A. Scofield - Battle Ground WA

Assignee:

Hewlett-Packard Company - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

B41J 2938

US Classification:

347 14, 347105, 399 42, 399 45, 25055944

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.

US Patent:

6685313, Feb 3, 2004

Filed:

Oct 31, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/000735

Inventors:

Stuart A. Scofield - Battle Ground WA
Steven H. Walker - Camas WA

Assignee:

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. - Houston TX

International Classification:

G01N 21958

US Classification:

347105, 347 19, 25055901, 25055911

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.