Patent Publication Number: US-10334129-B2

Title: Method of printing and scanning

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 15/409,424, filed on Jan. 18, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,944,097 to issue on Apr. 17, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present disclosure relates to multifunctional printers (MFPs), particularly an MFP with a paper path that can convey paper to a scanner following printing. 
     Background 
     Multifunctional printers (MFPs) that combine printing, scanning, and copying capabilities are often used in offices and other environments. An MFP can thus provide users with access to different types of functions within a single combined device, which can increase efficiency and save space. 
     However, the conventional design of an MFP often prohibits performing certain types of its functions sequentially without user interaction. For example, after printing a page most MFPs route the printed page to an output tray either directly or through a finisher. As such, a user who wants to use an MFP to both print pages and then scan the printed pages would need to activate a print function, physically pick up printed pages output by the MFP, move the printed pages to an auto document feeder (ADF) or scanner platen at a different location on the MFP, and then separately activate a scanning function. This can be inconvenient and time-consuming, especially when the user initiates a print job remotely and cannot begin scanning the printed pages or viewing digital scans of the pages until the user walks to the MFP and physically moves the paper to the MFP&#39;s scanner. 
     What is needed is an MFP that can route paper through a paper path such that it can be scanned after it is printed. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure provides a multifunctional printer. The multifunctional printer can comprise a printer section, an auto document feeder, a scanner section, a print path in the printer section, and a path guide at a post-print junction in the print path. The printer section can comprise one or more printer components and a paper storage area. The auto document feeder can comprise a scan output tray. The scanner section can comprise one or more image sensors configured to scan paper passing through the auto document feeder. The print path can branch at the post-print junction into a first path that leads to a print output tray and a second path that leads to the auto document feeder. The path guide can be movable between a first position that diverts paper from the print path into the first path and a second position that diverts paper from the print path into the second path. When the path guide diverts paper in to the second path, the paper can pass into the auto document feeder and be scanned by the image sensors before being output at the scan output tray. 
     The present disclosure also provides a method of printing and scanning paper at a multifunctional printer. The multifunctional printer can receive a print job print according to the print job by conveying paper from a paper storage area through a print path and printing information on the paper with printer components. The multifunctional printer can determine whether the multifunctional printer is in a print and scan mode. If the multifunctional printer is not in the print and scan mode, the multifunctional printer can move a path guide at a post-print junction to route the paper into a first path that conveys the paper to a print output tray. If the multifunctional printer is in the print and scan mode, the multifunctional printer can move the path guide at the post-print junction to route the paper into a second path that conveys the paper to an auto document feeder. The multifunctional printer can scan the paper with one or more image sensors as the paper is conveyed through the auto document feeder to generate a scanned representation, and can output the paper at a scan output tray 
     The present disclosure also provides a method of printing and scanning paper at a multifunctional printer and transmitting scanned representations to a server. The multifunctional printer can receive a print job and a destination identifier from a local client device, where the destination identifier is associated with a remote client device. The multifunctional printer can print according to the print job by conveying paper from a paper storage area at the multifunctional printer through a print path and printing information on the paper with printer components. The multifunctional printer can route paper from the print path into an auto document feeder connector path that conveys the paper to an auto document feeder. The multifunctional printer can scan the paper with one or more image sensors as the paper is conveyed through the auto document feeder to generate a scanned representation. The multifunctional printer can upload the scanned representation from the multifunctional printer to a server over a network connection along with the destination identifier, such that the server makes the scanned representation available to the remote client device associated with the destination identifier. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  depicts an exemplary embodiment of a multifunctional printer (MFP) with a closed lid. 
         FIG. 1B  depicts an exemplary embodiment of an MFP with an open lid. 
         FIG. 2  depicts an embodiment of an MFP&#39;s internal components. 
         FIG. 3A  depicts a cross section of an exemplary embodiment of an auto document feeder (ADF). 
         FIG. 3B  depicts a route through the ADF of  FIG. 3A  from a scan input tray to a scan output tray. 
         FIG. 3C  depicts a route through the ADF of  FIG. 3A  from a scan input tray to an ADF connector path. 
         FIG. 3D  depicts a route through the ADF of  FIG. 3A  from an ADF connector path into a scan input path and then to a scan output tray. 
         FIG. 4A  depicts an ADF connector path with straight paper path cutouts. 
         FIG. 4B  depicts an ADF connector path with a tapered paper path cutout. 
         FIG. 5A  depicts a cross section of a first exemplary embodiment of an MFP. 
         FIG. 5B  depicts the embodiment of  FIG. 5A  in operation in a print and scan mode. 
         FIG. 6A  depicts a cross section of a second exemplary embodiment of an MFP. 
         FIG. 6B  depicts the embodiment of  FIG. 6A  in operation in a duplex printing mode. 
         FIG. 6C  depicts the embodiment of  FIG. 6A  in operation in a print and scan mode. 
         FIG. 7A  depicts a first embodiment of an ADF with an ADF duplex path. 
         FIG. 7B  depicts a second embodiment of an ADF with an ADF duplex path. 
         FIG. 8  depicts a flowchart of an exemplary process for directing an MPF to route printed paper either to a finisher output tray or to an ADF for scanning. 
         FIG. 9  depicts an exemplary menu for selecting options for where to send scanned representations of printed paper following a print and scan mode operation. 
         FIG. 10  depicts an exemplary operating environment comprising a local client device, an MFP, a server, and a remote client device. 
         FIG. 11  depicts a flowchart of an exemplary process for uploading scanned representations of printed pages to a server. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1A-1B  depict an exemplary embodiment of a multifunctional printer (MFP)  100 , also known as a “multifunctional product” or “multifunctional system.” An MFP  100  can be “all-in-one” machine that has a plurality of different functions such as printing, copying, scanning, faxing, and/or other functions. The MFP  100  can comprise a printer section  102 , a scanner section  104 , and an auto document feeder (ADF)  106 . In some embodiments the MFP  100  can further comprise a finisher  108 . 
     The printer section  102  can comprise printer components  110  configured to print color and/or monochrome text and images on paper that passes through the printer section  102 . In some embodiments, the printer section  102  can comprise laser printer components, such as laser diodes, lenses, mirrors, photoconductor drums, toner hoppers, charge rolls, fusers, and/or other components. In other embodiments, the printer section  102  can comprise inkjet printer components, such as print heads and ink cartridges. In still other embodiments, the printer section can comprise components of any other desired type of color or monochrome printer. The MFP  100  can comprise one or more paper storage areas  112 , such as drawers or trays, from which it can draw pieces of paper to be printed on by the printer components  110 . 
     The scanner section  104  can comprise a platen  114  and one or more image sensors  116  configured to scan documents placed on the platen  114  or that pass through the ADF  106 . The platen  114  can be a transparent planar member, such as a sheet of glass or transparent plastic, through which the image sensors  116  can view documents positioned above the platen  114 . The MFP  100  can be configured to store digital representations of scanned documents in memory. In some embodiments the image sensors  116  can be contact image sensors (CIS). In other embodiments the image sensors  116  can be charge coupled devices (CCD) or image sensors of any other type. 
     The ADF  106  can be mounted on a hinged lid above the scanner section  104  such that the lid can be closed to cover the scanner section&#39;s platen  114  as shown in  FIG. 1A , or be opened to expose the platen  114  as shown in  FIG. 1B . There can also be one or more scanner openings  118  on the bottom surface of the ADF  106 , such when the lid is closed and paper is conveyed through the ADF  106 , the paper can be scanned by image sensors  116  in the scanner section  104  through the platen  106  as the paper moves past the scanner openings  118  in the ADF  106 . 
     The ADF  106  can comprise a scan input tray  120  configured to accept one or more pieces of paper, such as a stack of paper, that are to be scanned by the scanner section  104 . The ADF  106  can also comprise a scan output tray  122  configured to store one or more pieces of paper that are output by the MFP  100  after being scanned and/or printed, as discussed further below. 
     The lower surface of the ADF  106  and the upper surface of the scanner section  104  can both define paper path cutouts  124 . The paper path cutouts  124  can be aligned when the ADF  106  is closed against the scanner section  104  such that paper can pass from the ADF  106  to the scanner section  104 , and/or from the scanner section  104  to the ADF  106 , via the paper path cutouts  124 . 
     As will be discussed further below, the MFP  100  can have a print and scan mode in which it prints text and/or images on paper using its printer components  110  and then conveys the printed paper through the scanner section  104  into the ADF  106  via the paper path cutouts  124  such that it can be scanned by the scanner section&#39;s image sensors  116 . After being scanned, the printed paper can then be conveyed through the ADF  106  so that it exits the MFP  100  and rests at the scan output tray  122 . 
     In some embodiments the printer section  102  can notify the scanner section  104  of the size of the paper printed on by its printer components  110 , such that the scanner section&#39;s image sensors  116  can scan the expected paper size. By way of a non-limiting example, when the printer section  102  pulls 8.5×11 inch paper from a paper storage area  112  and prints on it, the printer section  102  can indicate to the scanner section that it should scan an 8.5×11 inch area as the printed paper is conveyed past its image sensors  116 . In alternate embodiments the image sensors  116  can scan paper as it moves past the image sensors  116  to automatically detect the scan size. 
     In some embodiments the MFP  100  can comprise a removable or permanently connected finisher  108  that can receive paper output by the printer section  102 . The finisher  108  can comprise a print output tray  126  configured to store one or more pieces of paper until the paper is removed by a user, a stapler configured to staple stacks of paper that are within the finisher  108  or that are resting at the print output tray  126 , and/or one or more other components configured to perform selected actions on paper, such as hole punching, folding, and/or collating. 
     The MFP  100  can additionally comprise input/output devices  128 . The input/output devices  128  can be screens, buttons, keyboards, switches, dials, indicator lights, speakers, and/or any other type of input or output device. By way of a non-limiting example, an input/output device  128  can be a liquid-crystal display (LCD) screen mounted on the exterior of the MFP  100 , such as at a position adjacent to the platen  114 . In some embodiments, screens can be touch-sensitive. In other embodiments, users can interact with a user interface displayed on a screen using other controls such as buttons or keyboards. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , an MFP  100  can further comprise a processor  202 , data storage  204 , and a user interface  206  that can direct and/or assist in the operations other MFP components such as the printer section  102 , scanner section  104 , ADF  106 , and/or finisher  108 . 
     The processor  202  can be a chip, circuit or controller configured to execute instructions to direct the operations of the MFP  100 , such as a central processing unit (CPU), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), graphics processing unit (GPU), or any other chip, circuit, or controller. In some embodiments a plurality of chips, circuits, and/or controllers can operate together to direct the operations of the MFP  100 . 
     Data storage  204  can be one or more internal and/or external digital storage devices, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, digital tape, a hard disk drive HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), and/or any other type of volatile or non-volatile digital memory. The data storage  204  can store instructions executable by the processor  202  to operate the MFP  100 , including an operating system and/or applications. 
     The user interface  206  can comprise hardware and/or software elements for receiving instructions from users and/or displaying information to users. By way of a non-limiting example, the user interface  206  can comprise controls for inputting instructions to the MFP  100  to begin a print job in a print and scan mode as described herein. By way of another non-limiting example, while the MFP  100  is printing and scanning pages as described herein, the user interface  206  can display messages or other information such as progress meters or page counters that indicate that it is printing pages, scanning pages, and/or sending scanned representations to other devices. 
     In some embodiments the user interface  206  can comprise graphical user interfaces and/or other interfaces operable by users through input/output devices  128 . In other embodiments the MFP  100  can alternately or additionally comprise one or more data communication interfaces through which the MFP  100  can connect to separate client devices to receive instructions and/or output information. By way of non-limiting examples, the MFP  100  can have a network and/or IP connection interfaces or peer-to-peer connection interfaces for directly communicating with client devices, such as interfaces using near-field communication, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi Direct. In these embodiments, a user can connect a client device, such as a mobile phone, computer, tablet, or any other device, to the MFP  100  to interact with the MFP&#39;s user interface  206  via the client device. 
     In some embodiments the MFP  100  can further comprise fax components for faxing scanned documents, network components for transmitting data over the internet or any other data network, and/or ports for connecting to other devices, such as USB and Ethernet ports. In some embodiments the printer section  102  and the scanner section  104  can work together in a copy function to scan documents on the platen  114  or that pass through the ADF  106  using the scanner section  104  and then print them using the printer section  102 . 
       FIGS. 3A-3D  depict cross-sections of an embodiment of an ADF  106 . An ADF  106  can comprise a scan input path  302  that branches into a scan output path  304  and an ADF connector path  306 . The scan input path  302 , the scan output path  304 , and the ADF connector path  306  can be pathways through which sheets of paper can move. As such, they can be at least as wide and as deep as a sheet of paper of a predefined size and/or type. By way of a non-limiting example, an MFP  100  configured to scan sheets of 8.5 inch by 11 inch paper can have paper paths at least 8.5 inches wide. In some embodiments the ADF  106  can comprise paper guides  310  in one or more of its paper paths that can be automatically moved using motors, servos, or other mechanisms to adjust the dimensions of passable portions of the paper paths, and/or change the orientation of paper being conveyed through the paper paths. By way of a non-limiting example, the ADF  106  can have one or more paper guides  310  with walls that can move transversely to the direction at which paper passes through the paper paths, such that the paper guides  310  can move to widen or narrow the paper paths to match the width of paper currently passing through the ADF  106 . By way of a non-limiting example, the ADF  106  can have one or more paper guides  310  that can move at angles to re-orient paper passing through the paper paths. The ADF  106  can further comprise one or more mechanized rollers  312 , pullers, arms, or other conveyance mechanisms that can pull, push, or otherwise move a sheet of paper through the paper paths as will be described below. 
     The ADF  106  can also comprise an path guide  308  at the point at which the scan input path  302  branches into the scan output path  304  and the ADF connector path  306 . The path guide  308  can be a mechanized component that can be moved to selectively close off either one of the scan output path  304  and the ADF connector path  306  from the scan input path  302 . 
       FIGS. 3B and 3C  depict examples of the MFP  100  being used to scan paper placed at the scan input tray  120 . The ADF  106  can pull paper from the scan input tray  120  into the scan input path  302 . As the paper is moved through the scan input path  302 , it can pass by a scanner opening  118  and be scanned by image sensors  116  in the scanner section  104  below. The path guide  308  can then either divert the paper into the scan output path  304  such that it exits at the scan output tray  122  as shown in  FIG. 3B , or into the ADF connector path  306  such that it passes into the scanner section  104  via the paper path cutouts  124  as shown in  FIG. 3C . If scanned paper is diverted into the ADF connector path  306  and into the scanner section  104 , in some embodiments it can further be routed into the printer section  102  and/or finisher  108 , such that the scanned paper can be printed on and/or finished. 
       FIG. 3D  depicts an example of the MFP  100  scanning printed paper. Paper that has been printed by the printer section  102  can be routed through the scanner section  104  and into the ADF  106  via paper path cutouts  124 , such that it enters the ADF connector path  306 . The path guide  308  can be positioned such that the paper passes from the ADF connector path  306  into the scan input path  302 . Rollers  312  or other mechanisms can then reverse the paper&#39;s direction in the scan input path  302 , and the path guide  308  can move to divert the paper into the scan output path  304  such that it exits at the scan output tray  122 . Paper can be scanned through a scanner opening  118  by image sensors  116  in the scanner section  104  below as the paper moves in either direction through the scan input path  302 . 
     In some embodiments the MFP  100  can comprise physical and/or optical sensors that can detect the dimensions of printed paper entering the ADF  106 , and/or the orientation of text or images printed on that paper. In other embodiments the printer section  102  can communicate paper dimensions and/or the orientation of printed information on the paper to the ADF  106 . When the ADF  106  determines that the printed paper received from the printer section  102  is narrower than its paper paths or is in an incorrect orientation for scanning, in some embodiments the ADF  106  can use paper guides  310  in its paper paths to adjust the width of the paper paths to match that of the printed paper and/or to re-orient the paper for scanning. By way of a non-limiting example, when printed paper is received at the ADF  106  slightly askew the ADF  106  can use paper guides  310  to re-orient the printed paper as it passes through the ADF connector path  306  or scan input path  302 , such that lines of printed text are angled to be perpendicular relative to the direction at which the paper moves through the paths, thereby correcting the text&#39;s orientation as it passes by the image sensors  116  during scanning. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  depict close-up views of exemplary embodiments of adjoining paper path cutouts  124  in the ADF  106  and scanner section  104 . As described above, paper can pass between the ADF  106  and scanner sections  104  through aligned paper path cutouts  124  when the MFP&#39;s lid is closed. Paper exiting the ADF  106  into the scanner section  104  can enter into a continuation of the ADF connector path  306  that passes through the scanner section  104  and/or printer section  102  as will be described below. Similarly, paper exiting the continuation of the ADF connector path  306  in the scanner section  104  can enter into the ADF connector path  306  at the ADF  106 . As with the ADF  106 , the scanner section  104  and the printer section  102  can comprise mechanized rollers  312 , pullers, arms, or other conveyance mechanisms positioned along its paper paths that can pull, push, or otherwise move a sheet of paper through their paper paths. 
     In some embodiments the dimensions of the paper path cutout  124  in the scanner section  104  can be substantially similar to the dimensions of the rest of the ADF connector path  306 , as shown in  FIG. 4A . In alternate embodiments the paper path cutout  124  in the ADF  106  can be curved, tapered, sloped, or otherwise shaped to gradually guide paper exiting the scanner section  104  into the ADF  106 , as shown in  FIG. 4B . In some embodiments the paper path cutout  124  in the scanner section  104  can be similarly curved, tapered, sloped, or otherwise shaped to gradually guide paper exiting the ADF  106  into the scanner section  104 . 
       FIG. 5A  depicts a cross section of a first embodiment of an MFP  100 . The MFP&#39;s printer section  102  can comprise a print path  502  that conveys sheets of paper from paper storage areas  112  through printer components  110  inside the printer section  102 . In some embodiments, a plurality of print paths  502  can join into a main print path  502 , such that paper can be drawn from any of a plurality of different paper storage areas  112  into the main print path  502 . The printer components  110  can be configured to print text and/or images on the sheets of paper as they are conveyed through the print path  502 . 
     The print path  502  can branch at a post-print junction  504  into a finisher path  506  and the ADF connector path  306 . As discussed above, the ADF connector path  306  can continue through the scanner section  104  and into the ADF  106  via aligned paper path cutouts  124 . The finisher path  506  can pass through the printer section  102  and/or scanner section  104  into the finisher  108 , such that the finisher  108  can perform hole punching, stapling, and/or other finishing operations on paper delivered to the finisher  108 . The finisher  108  can output paper received through the finisher path  506  at the print output tray  126 . As with the ADF  106 , the scanner section  104 , the printer section  102 , and the finisher  108  can comprise mechanized rollers  312 , pullers, arms, or other conveyance mechanisms positioned along their paper paths that can pull, push, or otherwise move a sheet of paper through the paper paths. 
     The post-print junction  504  at which the print path  502  branches into the finisher path  506  and the ADF connector path  306  can be located at a position following the printer components  110  on the print path  502 , such that paper passing through the print path  502  can be printed on by the printer components  110  before the paper reaches the post-print junction  504  and is routed into the finisher path  506  or the ADF connector path  306 . The MFP  100  can comprise a path guide  308  at the post-print junction  504  that can be moved to selectively close off either one of the finisher path  506  and the ADF connector path  306  from the print path  502 . When a print and scan mode has been selected, the path guide  308  can be moved to divert printed paper from the print path  502  into the ADF connector path  306 . When a print and scan mode has not been selected, the path guide  308  can be moved to divert printed paper from the print path  502  into the finisher path  506 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5B , paper originating at a paper storage area  112  can be drawn through the print path  502  such that they can be printed on by printer components  110 . If a print and scan mode has not been selected and the paper is to be output at the finisher  108 , the path guide  308  at the post-print junction  504  can be moved such that paper in the print path  502  is diverted into the finisher path  506  to the finisher  108 . However, if a print and scan mode has been selected and the paper is to be scanned, the path guide  308  at the post-print junction  504  can be moved such that paper in the print path  502  is diverted into the ADF connector path  306  as shown in  FIG. 5B . The paper can flow through the ADF connector path  306  into the ADF  106  through aligned paper path cutouts  124 . As discussed above with respect to  FIG. 3D , paper in the ADF connector path  306  can be drawn into the scan input path  302  so that it can be scanned by image sensors  116  in the scanner section  104  through the platen  114 . Rollers  312  or other mechanisms can reverse the paper&#39;s movement in the scan input path  302  before or after scanning, and a path guide  308  can divert the paper to the scan output path  304  such that it rests at the scan output tray  122 . Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 5B , an MFP  100  can print on paper using its printer components  110  and then selectively divert the printed paper either to the finisher  108  or to the ADF  106  for scanning. 
       FIG. 6A  depicts a cross section of a second embodiment of an MFP  100 . In this embodiment the MFP  100  can comprise a duplex path  602  that connects the print path  502  and the ADF connector path  306 . As discussed below, the duplex path  602  can pass printed paper into the ADF connector path  306  for double-sided printing or for scanning. The duplex path  602  can comprise rollers  312  or other mechanisms that can reverse the movement direction of paper being conveyed through the duplex path  602 . 
     In this embodiment the print path  502  can branch into the finisher path  506  and the duplex path  602  at a post-print junction  504 . The ADF connector path  306  can feed into the print path  502  at a pre-print junction  604 , and the duplex path  602  can feed into the ADF connector path  306  at a duplex junction  606 . The pre-print junction  604  can be located at a convergence point between the print path  502  and the ADF connector path  306  before the printer components  110 , at a location such that paper originating from paper storage areas  112  or that has passed through the ADF connector path  306  to the pre-print junction  604  is routed through the printer components  110 . The duplex junction  606  can be located at a convergence point between the duplex path  602  and the ADF connector path  306  such that paper passed from the duplex path  602  into the ADF connector path  306  can pass through the ADF connector path  306  in one direction to reach the pre-print junction  604  or be reversed to move through the ADF connector path  306  in the opposite direction to reach the ADF  106 . 
     In this embodiment, after paper has passed along the print path  502  through the printer components  110 , a path guide  308  at the post-print junction  504  can be moved to selectively divert the paper into either the finisher path  506  or the duplex path  602 . If a print and scan mode has not been selected and paper is to be output at the finisher  108 , the path guide  308  at the post-print junction  504  can be moved such that paper in the print path  502  is diverted into the finisher path  506  to the finisher  108 . However, if the MFP  100  is set to print on the other face of the paper or is set to scan the paper, the path guide  308  at the post-print junction  504  can be moved to divert the paper into the duplex path  602 . 
       FIG. 6B  depicts a situation in which the MFP  100  has been set to print on both sides of a sheet of paper. After one face of a sheet of paper has been printed on by the printer components  110  during a first pass through the print path  502 , the paper can be diverted by the path guide  308  into the duplex path  602 . The duplex path  602  can receive the paper and then reverse its movement direction so that it passes into the ADF connector path  306 . The MFP  100  can convey the paper along the ADF connector path  306  such that it rejoins the print path  502  at the pre-print junction  604 . Reversal of the sheet of paper at the duplex path  602  and passing it into the ADF connector path  306  before rejoining the print path  502  can flip the paper such that its opposing side faces the printer components  110  during its second pass through the print path  502 , thereby allowing double-sided printing. After the second pass through the print path  502 , the path guide  308  at the post-print junction  504  can divert the sheet of paper into the finisher path  506 . 
       FIG. 6C  depicts a situation in which the MFP  100  has been set to scan printed paper in a print and scan mode. After paper has passed through the printer components  110 , the paper can be diverted by the path guide  308  into the duplex path  602 . The duplex path  602  can receive the paper and then reverse its movement direction so that it passes into the ADF connector path  306 . In this situation the ADF connector path  306  can again reverse the paper&#39;s movement direction, such that it flows through the ADF connector path  306  into the ADF  106  through aligned paper path cutouts  124 . As discussed above with respect to  FIG. 3D , paper in the ADF connector path  306  can be drawn into the scan input path  302  so that it can be scanned by image sensors  116  in the scanner section  104  through the platen  114 . Rollers  312  or other mechanisms can reverse the paper&#39;s movement in the scan input path  302  before or after scanning, and a path guide  308  can divert the paper to the scan output path  304  such that it rests at the scan output tray  122 . 
     When the MFP  100  prints on both sides of a sheet of paper as described above, in some embodiments the MFP  100  can also scan both sides of the printed paper. In some embodiments the MFP  100  can have image sensors  116  both above and below the ADF&#39;s scan input path  302  and/or ADF connector path  306  such that pairs of image sensors  116  can scan opposing sides of printed paper as it moves through the ADF  106 . 
     In other embodiments the MFP  100  can scan one side of a sheet of paper, and then use a duplex path  602  in the printer section  102  or scanner section  104  to flip a sheet of paper so that it can be scanned on the other side. By way of a first non-limiting example the MFP  100  can print on a first side of a page with its printer components  110 , route the page through the ADF connector path  306  to scan the first side of the page, return the page to the printer section  102  and use a duplex path  602  to flip the page so that it can use its printer components  110  to print on a second side of the page, and then return the flipped page to the ADF  106  through the ADF connector path  306  to scan the second side of the page. By way of a second non-limiting example the MFP  100  can print on both sides of a page as shown in  FIG. 6B , then route the page to the ADF  106  using the ADF connector path  306 . After scanning one side of the page at the ADF  106 , the MFP  100  can return the page to the printer section  102  or scanner section  104  so that it can be flipped using a duplex path  602 . The flipped page can then be returned to the ADF  106  so that the second side can be scanned. 
     In still other embodiments the ADF  106  can have an ADF duplex path  700 , as shown in  FIGS. 7A-7B . In these embodiments the ADF duplex path  700  can have a first section  702  that flows from the scan input path  302  and a second section  704  that returns to the scan input path  302 . As such, paper exiting the first section  702  can be drawn back into the second section  704  such that it re-enters the scan input path  302  with a reverse side facing the image sensors  116  below the ADF  106 . As with the scan output path  304 , a path guide  308  can open or close the first section  702  of the ADF duplex path  700  to the scan input path  302 . In some embodiments the ADF  106  can have a dedicated paper path for the first section  702  of the ADF duplex path  700  as shown in  FIG. 7A . In other embodiments the scan output path  304  can serve as the first section  702  of the ADF duplex path  700  as shown in  FIG. 7B , such that paper exiting the scan output path  304  can be drawn back into the second section  704  of the ADF duplex path  700  when double sided scanning is desired. When the ADF  106  receives a page printed on both sides from the printer section  102 , it can scan the page on a first side during a first pass through the scan input path  302 , and then use the ADF duplex path  700  to flip the page for a second pass through the scan input path  302  during which the second side can be scanned. 
       FIG. 8  depicts a flowchart of an exemplary process for directing an MFP  100  to print on paper and then route the paper either to the print output tray  126  or to the ADF  106  for scanning. 
     At step  802 , the MFP  100  can print on paper with the printer components  110 . By way of a non-limiting example, the MFP  100  can receive a print job from a computer or other device and then convey paper from a paper storage area  112  through the print path  502  so that the printer components  110  can print on the paper according to the print job. 
     At step  804 , the MFP  100  can determine whether a print and scan mode has been selected. In some embodiments a user can select a print and scan mode when the user initiates a print job, either directly at the MFP  100  through its user interface  206  or through a settings menu on a computer or other device when the user initiates the print job. 
     If the MFP  100  determines at step  804  that it a print and scan mode has not been selected, it can move to step  806  and move a path guide  308  at the post-print junction  504  such that the printed paper is diverted into the finisher path  506 . The printed paper can thus be conveyed through the finisher path  506  where any selected finishing operations can be performed, such as stapling or hole punching. The printed paper can then be output at the print output tray  126 . In alternate embodiments, if a print and scan mode has not been selected, a path guide  308  at the post-print junction  504  can be moved to a position such that printed paper is conveyed directly to a print output tray without passing through a finisher  108 . 
     However, if the MFP  100  determines at step  804  that a print and scan mode has been selected, it can move to step  808  and move a path guide  308  at the post-print junction  504  such that the printed paper is diverted into an ADF connector path  306  and is conveyed into the ADF  106  for scanning. In some embodiments the path guide  308  can be moved to divert the paper into the ADF connector path  306  that leads to the ADF  106 , as discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 5A-5B . In other embodiment the path guide  308  can be moved to divert the paper into a duplex path  602  that conveys the paper into an ADF connector path  306 , as discussed above with respect to  FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6C . 
     At step  810 , the MFP  100  can scan the printed paper. As described above with respect to  FIG. 3D , the ADF  106  can move the printed paper from the ADF connector path  306  into the scan input path  302  where it can be scanned by the scanner section&#39;s image sensors  116  through a scanner opening  118 . Scanning the printed paper can occur as the paper is conveyed through the scan input path  302  in either direction. 
     At step  812 , the MFP  100  can output the printed and scanned paper at the scan output tray  122 . As described above with respect to  FIG. 3D , the MFP  100  can move a path guide  308  such that, after the paper&#39;s movement direction in the scan input path  302  has been reversed, the paper is directed into the scan output path  304  and out to the scan output tray  122 . By way of a non-limiting example, once the paper has cleared the ADF connector path  306  and has entered the scan input path  302 , the path guide  308  can be moved from a position closes off the ADF connector path  306  and instead opens the scan output path  304 . 
     The scanned representations of printed paper can be stored in local memory at the MFP  100 , be sent to one or more auxiliary destinations, or be stored or processed in any other desired manner. Auxiliary destinations can be removable memory, cloud storage, memory on another device, an email address, a fax number, a network folder, an FTP folder, or any other file storage location or device configured to accept scanned representations of printed paper. In some embodiments one or more post-scanning actions can be selected by a user through the MFP&#39;s user interface or through a settings menu when a print and scan operation is initiated on a computer or other device. 
     By way of a non-limiting example,  FIG. 9  depicts an exemplary menu for selecting options for where to send scanned representations of printed paper following a print and scan mode operation. In the embodiment of  FIG. 9 , users can select “On” or “Off” at a “Print then Send” section to indicate whether or not they want the MFP  100  to scan printed pages and send the scanned representations to one or more auxiliary destinations. Auxiliary destinations can be selected in the options menu of  FIG. 9  by selecting one or more rules and inputting corresponding auxiliary destination information, such as instructing the MFP  100  to send scanned representations via email to specified email addresses, to specified shared folders on a network via the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol, to specified folders via an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) connection, and/or to specified fax numbers. 
       FIG. 10  depicts an exemplary operating environment in which a local client device  1000   a  can initiate a print and scan job at an MFP  100  such that the MFP  100  uploads scanned representations of printed pages to a server  1002  where they are available to remote client devices  1000   b.  The client devices  1000  can be computers, tablet computers, mobile phones, or any other types of computing device. The local client device  1000   a  can be in direct or indirect communication with the MFP  100  such that it can initiate a print job at the MFP  100 . The remote client device  1000   b  can be configured to connect to the server  1002  over an internet connection. The server  1002  can comprise digital memory where it can store data uploaded from the MFP  100 , and can make the uploaded data available for downloading to remote client devices  1000   b . In some embodiments the server  1002  can host a website through which a remote client device  1000   b  can view and download available scanned representations of printed pages. In other embodiments the server  1002  can make scanned representations of printed pages available to remote client devices  1000   b  over other types of connections, such as FTP connections. The server  1002  can be a local or remote server operated by the same entity as the local client device  1000   a  and/or MFP  100 , a cloud server operated by another entity, or any other type of server  1002 . 
     By way of a non-limiting example, the local client device  1000   a  can be a desktop computer that can connect to the MFP  100  over an office intranet, while the remote client device  1000   b  can be a laptop computer at an employee&#39;s home. In this example, an employee in an office can operate a local client device  1000   a  to initiate a print job at the MFP  100  in the office, and the MFP  100  can print and then scan pages as described above. The MFP  100  can upload scanned representations of the printed pages to the server  1002 , and an employee at home can use a remote client device  1000   b  to access the scanned representations at the server  1002 . 
       FIG. 11  depicts a flowchart of an exemplary process for uploading scanned representations of printed pages to a server  1002 , using the operating environment shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     At step  1102 , the local client device  1000   a  can send a print job to the MFP  100 . The local client device  1000   a  can run a print driver or other application that can prepare and/or pass a print job to the MFP  100  to print a document stored in memory at the local client device  1000   a . In some embodiments a print job can be represented using a page description language (PDL), such as PostScript, PCL (Printer Command Language), PDF (Portable Document Format), or XPS (XML Paper Specification). PDL code can include commands that describe the content, format, and/or layout of each individual element on a page, such as individual images and pieces of text. By way of a non-limiting example, when user instructs a computer to print a document, a printer driver can be invoked that converts the computer&#39;s representation of that document or image into PDL code that can be sent to the MFP  100  as a print job. 
     The local client device  1000   a  can indicate in the print job or in a separate instruction to the MFP  100  that pages should be printed and then scanned as discussed above, and that the scanned representations of the printed pages should be uploaded to the server  1002 . The local client device  1000   a  can indicate in the print job or in a separate instruction the identity of the remote client device  1000   b  or a user of the remote client device  1000   b.  By way of a non-limiting example, the local client device  1000   a  can include an email address or username of a user that is expected to use a remote client device  1000   b  to access scanned representations of pages printed according to the print job via the server  1002 . In some embodiments the MFP  100  can return a unique print job identifier to the local client device  1000   a  in response to receipt of a print job. In other embodiments the local client device  1000   a  can define a print job identifier for the print job and include it with other information about the print job submitted to the MFP  100 . 
     At step  1104 , the local client device  1000   a  can send the print job identifier to the remote client device  1000   b,  or to a user of the remote client device  1000   b.  By way of a non-limiting example, the local client device  1000   a  can include the print job identifier in an email, instant message, or any other type of notification sent to the remote client device  1000   b  over the internet or other network. 
     At step  1106 , the MFP  100  can print and scan pages according to the print job. By way of a non-limiting example, when the print job includes PDL commands, the MFP  100  can interpret the PDL commands and use its printer components  110  to print text and/or images on paper passing through the print path  502 . The MFP  100  can position a path guide at the post-print junction  504  to route the printed paper through the ADF connector path  306  and into the ADF  106 , where it can scan the printed paper before outputting it at the scan output tray  122 . 
     At step  1108 , the MFP  100  can send scanned representations of one or more printed pages to the server  1002 . The MFP  100  can also notify the server  1002  of the print job identifier associated with the print job and/or the identifier of the remote client device  1000   b  or a user of the remote client device  1000   b.  The server  1002  can store uploaded scanned representations in memory, such that they can be retrieved by other devices through a web site, FTP connection, or other interface. 
     At step  1110 , the server  1002  can notify the remote client device  1000   b,  or a user of the remote client device  1000   b,  that scanned representations have been uploaded that are associated with the print job identifier. By way of a non-limiting example, when the local client device  1000   a  provided an email address of a user of the remote client device  1000   b  to the MFP  100 , and the MFP in turn provided that email address to the server  1002 , the server  1002  can send an email to that email address when pages have been uploaded for the corresponding print job identifier. 
     At step  1112 , the remote client device  1000   b  can provide authentication credentials to the server  1002  in an attempt to log into the server  1002  and access the uploaded scanned representations. Authentication credentials can include a username and password, digital certificates, and/or other types of credentials. In some embodiments the remote client device  1000   b  can also provide the print job identifier it received from the local client device  1000   a  during step  1104 , to indicate to the server  1002  which scanned representations it is attempting to access. 
     At step  1114 , the server  1002  can attempt to verify the authentication credentials provided by the remote client device  1000   b.  By way of a non-limiting example, the server  1002  can compare a provided username and password combination against a user account database to determine if a valid match is found in the database. If the server  1002  determines that the authentication credentials are not valid, or that they are not associated with permissions that allow the remote client device  1000   b  to access the scanned representations associated with the print job identifier, the server  1002  can deny the connection and the process can end. However, if the server  1002  determines that the authentication credentials are not valid, the server  1002  can grant the remote client device  1000   b  access to the scanned representations associated with the print job identifier. 
     At step  1116 , the remote client device  1000   b  can access the scanned representations associated with the print job identifier. In some embodiments the remote client device  1000   b  can view the scanned representations through a web site interface hosted by the server  1002 . In other embodiments the remote client device  1000   b  can download copies of the scanned representations to its local memory. 
     In some embodiments the server  1002  can wait to notify the remote client device  1000   b  at step  1110  that it has received uploaded scanned representations associated with a print job identifier until the MFP  100  has printed and scanned all pages associated with the print job and has uploaded all of the scanned representations to the server  1002 . By way of a non-limiting example, the server  1002  can wait until it receives an upload complete confirmation message from the MFP  100  that signals that all scanned representations associated with the print job identifier have been uploaded to the server  1002 . 
     In other embodiments the server  1002  can begin step  1110  and notify the remote client device  1000   b  as soon as it has received at least one scanned representation associated with a print job identifier. In these embodiments the remote client device  1000   b  can log in to the server  1002  using authentication credentials to access those scanned representations that have already been received by the server  1002 , while the MFP  100  can continue uploading additional scanned representations associated with the print job identifier to the server  1002 . By way of a non-limiting example, when a print job instructs the MFP  100  to print and scan thirty pages, the server  1002  can notify the remote client device  1000   b  at step  1110  that scanned representations are available as soon as the first one has been received by the server  1002 . The remote client device  1000   b  can log in and begin viewing the scanned representation of the first page even if the server  1002  has not yet received scanned representations of all thirty pages. The server  1002  can continue receiving scanned representations until the MFP  100  notifies the server  1002  that scanned representations of all pages have been uploaded, at which point the server  1002  can notify the remote client device  1000   b  that all scanned representations have been uploaded and are accessible at the server  1002 . 
     As described above, a user can use the MFP  100  to print one or more pages of a document and also scan the printed pages without manually moving the pages from an output tray to the ADF  106  or scanner section  104 . 
     In some situations a user can use the MFP&#39;s print and scan functionality to automatically send a digital copy of scanned pages to themselves and/or other users when they print documents with the MFP  100 . By way of a non-limiting example, a user can print a document at the MFP  100  in order to generate a hard copy, but select a print and scan mode such that a scanned representation of the hard copy is automatically emailed to a supervisor or is uploaded to a shared network folder where colleagues can access it. 
     In other situations the MFP&#39;s print and scan functionality can be used to check the print quality of prints generated by the MFP  100 . Scanned representations can be reviewed digitally to check the physical print quality, such as checking for areas with banding, missing colors, incorrect colors, faded colors, smearing, incorrect characters, double-printed objects, or any other problem. 
     In some cases quality assurance engineers can manually review scanned representations digitally for print quality problems. Reviewing scanned representations can be faster and/or more efficient than physically flipping through printed pages. Additionally, the engineers reviewing scanned representations can be physically remote from the MFP  100  that printed and scanned the documents. 
     In other cases scanned representations of a printed document can be automatically compared against the original digital document using image processing software or other applications. By way of a non-limiting example, a comparison of an original digital document against a scanned representation of the printed version of that document can reveal that areas that should have been printed with a dark color appear white in the scanned representation of the printed page, indicating that the MFP  100  may be out of toner or may be experiencing other problems with its printer components  110 . In some embodiments an automated quality check script can be activated to compare the original document against a scanned representation, such as at the MFP  100  following scanning, or at a client device  1000  or server  1002  that has access to the original document and the scanned representation. 
     In some cases a quality assurance engineer can set an MFP  100  to print and scan documents and digitally store the scanned representations in a particular folder. The engineer can run a quality check automation script to open the folder and compare the scanned representations against the original digital document. The script can indicate to the engineer via a notification, email, or any other method whether or not any print quality issues were found with the scanned representations. As such, if the script identified print quality issues the engineer can load the scanned representations to manually review them for print quality issues. However, if the script did not identify any print quality issues, the engineer can skip manually reviewing those scanned representations and thereby save time by not reviewing scanned representations unlikely to be problematic. 
     Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the invention as described and hereinafter claimed is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.