Patent Publication Number: US-7708270-B2

Title: System and method for handling print media

Description:
BACKGROUND 
   Some image forming devices are equipped with large capacity media storage units to house non-imaged print media to be used as input. The storage units were typically positioned on one side of the image forming device while the print media was discharged to an output device positioned generally on an opposite side of the image forming device. As such, these image forming devices have a large footprint and use a large area of floor space which may not be available in small rooms. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     It will be appreciated that the illustrated boundaries of elements (e.g. boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one example of the boundaries. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that one element may be designed as multiple elements or that multiple elements may be designed as one element. An element shown as an internal component of another element may be implemented as an external component and vice versa. 
       FIG. 1  is a system diagram of one embodiment of an image forming device. 
       FIG. 2  is a system diagram of one embodiment of an image forming device which illustrates an example of media flow. 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of an image forming device illustrating another embodiment of media flow. 
       FIG. 4  is a front view of an image forming device in accordance with an alternate embodiment configured to have a reduced footprint. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates one embodiment of a methodology for feeding media through an image forming device. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS 
   The following includes definitions of selected terms used throughout the disclosure. The definitions include examples of various embodiments and/or forms of components that fall within the scope of a term and that may be used for implementation. Of course, the examples are not intended to be limiting and other embodiments may be implemented. Both singular and plural forms of all terms fall within each meaning: 
   “Image”, as used herein is used generally to represent any markings such as text, graphics or other markings placed on media. 
   “Logic”, as used herein, includes but is not limited to hardware, firmware, software and/or combinations of each to perform a function(s) or an action(s), and/or to cause a function or action from another component. For example, based on a desired application or need, logic may include a software controlled microprocessor, discrete logic such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable/programmed logic device, memory device containing instructions, or the like. Logic may also be fully embodied as software. 
   “Signal”, as used herein, includes but is not limited to one or more electrical signals, analog or digital signals, one or more computer or processor instructions, messages, a bit or bit stream, or other means that can be received, transmitted, and/or detected. 
   “User”, as used herein, includes but is not limited to one or more persons, software, computers or other devices, or combinations of these. 
   In one embodiment, an image forming device includes a media handling system configured to reduce a footprint of the image forming device. For example, the image forming device can include a primary media path along which print media is imaged and a duplex media path that is configured to return the imaged print media back to the primary media path for double-sided imaging. The duplex media path is also configured to accept non-imaged print media as input. 
   In other words, non-imaged print media can be inputted directly from a media feeder into the duplex media path of the image forming device. The media can be configured to travel along the duplex media path and transfer into the primary media path for imaging. Once imaged, the imaged media can be discharged from the image forming device to an output device that can be configured on the same side as the media feeder. This configuration, for example, allows the image forming device to be configured with a smaller footprint for areas with limited space. 
   Additionally, the following embodiments describe a “duplex” or otherwise “return” media path configured to process print media during double-sided imaging requests. It will be appreciated that the present system is applicable to any image forming device containing a primary media path and a “return” media path. In other words, it is not necessary that the “return” media path be a “duplex” media path used for double-sided imaging. For instance, one embodiment may be configured to use a “return” media path through which media is cycled within the image forming device for additional same-side imaging. Examples of same-side imaging may include multi-color imaging, enhanced imaging and the like. It will be appreciated that a return media path can generally be regarded as a path configured to carry print media from an output side of the imaging process back to an input side. The return path may also be separate from a duplex path if desired. 
   Illustrated in  FIG. 1  is a simplified component diagram of one embodiment of an image forming device  100 . For example, the image forming device  100  may be a copier, multi-functional peripheral device, all-in-one product, or other device that images media and includes a duplex media path (not in figure). The image forming device components generally represent the image forming device  100  and may have any desired configuration. 
   The image forming device  100  can include a controller  105  to control and coordinate the operations within the image forming device  100  in accordance with predetermined rules and selected imaging options. For example, the imaging options may be inputted by a user via a user control interface  110 . Of course, default settings and parameters may be used, thus, not requiring additional imaging options to be received from a user. The controller  105  may be embodied as logic and may include logic  115 , such as firmware, to maintain software instructions or other data. For example, the controller  105  can control flow of media through the image forming device based on one or more printing parameters to accomplish single-sided or double-sided (duplex) imaging, to identify the location of a desired input source to receive print media, or to perform other tasks as desired. 
   The image forming device  100  can also include an input mechanism  120  to input print media for imaging. The input mechanism  120  may be configured to permit manual or automatic feed of print media. In one embodiment, the input mechanism  120  may be configured to input non-imaged media directly into a return media path  125  that carries the inputted print media to an imaging path. 
   The image forming device  100  also includes an image forming mechanism  130  where an image is formed onto the print media. Once imaged, the imaged print media can exit the image forming mechanism  130  to a media output unit  135  such as an output bin or tray. The media output unit  135  may include a media finishing unit  140  configured to organize the imaged media. For example, the media finishing unit  140  may perform tasks such as a collecting, sorting, collating, stapling, hole punching and the like. 
   The operation and directional flow of media will be better understood with reference to  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 2  illustrates a simplified component diagram of one embodiment of an image forming device  200 . The illustrated components represent a logical representation of the image forming device  200  which may not correspond to a specific physical arrangement and positioning of components. Additionally,  FIG. 2  illustrates one embodiment identifying the media flow through the image forming device  200 . 
   In one embodiment, the image forming device  200  can include a manual media input  205  configured to input print media directly into a primary media path  210 . The image forming device  200  is configured to carry the print media along the primary media path  210  and through an image forming mechanism  215  where an image is generated onto the print media. The image forming device  200  can also include one or more print media sources such as media storage  220 . 
   The image forming device  200  can also be configured to input print media directly into a return media path  230  via a media feeder  225 . It will be appreciated that the media feeder  225  may be configured to feed media into the image forming device  200  either manually or automatically as desired. Further, it will be appreciated that a high-capacity media storage unit  235  may be used in connection with the media feeder  225  in order to store a quantity of non-imaged print media for input. 
   Once the print media enters the return media path  230 , the print media is transferred along the return media path  230  and into the primary media path  210 . It will be appreciated that a variety of mechanisms may be used to move the media along the media paths  210  and  230  including rollers, belts and the like. 
   Upon transfer into the primary media path  210 , the non-imaged print media is carried along the primary media path  210 . While traveling through the primary media path  210 , the media passes through the image forming mechanism  215  which forms an image onto the media. In one embodiment, the image forming mechanism  215  may include a laser imaging mechanism. The laser imaging mechanism may include a replaceable cartridge that includes one or more imaging components such as a photosensitive drum, a charging roller, a transfer roller, and toner. After being imaged, the media passes through a fuser (not shown) that fuses the image to the media. Of course, other types of components may be used depending on the type of image forming device  200 . 
   If the image forming device  200  is processing a single-sided imaging request, the imaged media would then be completed and discharged from the image forming device  200  into an output device  240  such as a tray or bin. It will be appreciated that the output device  240  can be configured with an optional media finishing unit. If the image forming device  200  is processing a duplex or double-sided imaging request, the media would be imaged again on its reverse side. For example, the single-sided imaged media is carried into a flipping mechanism  245 , flipped and returned back into the return media path  230  in order to prepare the media for reverse side imaging. As previously described, the media is carried along the return media path  230  and inputted back into the primary media path  210 . The media is then moved along the primary media path  210  and the reverse side of the media is imaged when passed through the image forming mechanism  215 . Upon completion of the imaging, the double-sided imaged media is discharged from the image forming device  200  to the output device  240 . In this manner, the media feeder  225  and the output device  240  can be configured on the same side of the image forming device  200 . By putting these components on the same side, the footprint of the image forming device  200  can be reduced. 
   With reference to  FIG. 3 , a cross-sectional view of a more detailed embodiment of an image forming device  300  is shown. The image forming device  300  can be configured to receive print media from multiple input sources. For example, print media can be received from a manual media input tray  310 , a traditional automatic high capacity media input tray  1  and one or more automatic feed trays  2  and  3 . In this embodiment, the image forming device  300  is configured to selectively input print media from these trays into a primary media path  315  along which an image is formed on the print media. A duplex media path  305  can also be included that is configured to return imaged print media back to the primary media path  315  for additional imaging operations, such as duplex imaging. 
   The image forming device  300  can also include a media feeder  320  as an input source configured to input print media directly into the duplex media path  305  rather than the primary media path  315 . The duplex media path  315  can then be used to carry the print media (e.g. non-imaged print media) to the primary media path  315  for imaging. It will be appreciated that media feeder  320  can be configured to input print media into the duplex media path  305  at a point near or adjacent an output point where imaged print media is discharged. In this manner, the media feeder  320  and an output tray  355  (e.g. print media input and output components, respectively) can be positioned on the same side of the image forming device  300  which can reduce floor space required by the image forming device  300 . 
   In one embodiment, the duplex media path  305  can be configured to carry print media in a substantially horizontal direction which is generally parallel to a surface (e.g. a floor) onto which the image forming device  300  is positioned. Of course, in other configurations, the duplex media path  305  may be configured with non-horizontal portions and variations along its directional movement of the media through the image forming device  300 . A series of rollers  330  can be positioned along the duplex media path  305  that are configured to move the print media. It will be appreciated that other mechanisms may be used to move the media through the image forming device  300  such as rollers, belts and the like, and combinations of these mechanisms. 
   It will be appreciated that the media feeder  320  may be configured to feed media into the image forming device  300  either manually or automatically as desired. Further, it will be appreciated that a high-capacity media storage unit  325  may be used in connection with the media feeder  320  in order to store a quantity of non-imaged print media for input. 
   Once print media enters the duplex media path  305  from the media feeder  320 , the media is carried along the duplex media path  305  back to the primary media path  315 . The non-imaged media is then moved along the primary media path  315  by, for example, a series of rollers  335 . While traveling through the primary media path  315 , the media passes through an image forming area  340  where an image is formed onto the print media. In one embodiment, the image forming area  340  includes a laser imaging mechanism. The laser imaging mechanism can include a replaceable print cartridge  345  that includes one or more imaging components such as a photosensitive drum, a charging roller, a transfer roller, and toner. After being imaged, the media passes through a fuser  350  that fuses the image to the media. Of course, other types of components may be used depending on the type of image forming device  300 . 
   If processing a single-sided imaging request, the imaged media would then be completed and discharged from the image forming device  300  into the output tray  355 . It will be appreciated that the output tray  355  may be replaced with or include an optional media finishing unit  360  to receive, process, and organize the discharged media. 
   If processing a duplex or double-sided imaging request, the image forming device  300  would return and image the print media again on its reverse side. For example, the single-sided imaged media is carried into a flipping area  365 , flipped and returned back into the duplex media path  305  in order to prepare the media for reverse side imaging. The media is moved along the duplex media path  305  and back into the primary media path  315 . The media is then moved along the primary media path  315  and the reverse side is imaged by the imaging mechanism(e.g., the print cartridge  345 ) as described above. Upon completion of the imaging, the now double-sided imaged media is discharged from the image forming device  300  into the output tray  355 . 
   Illustrated in  FIG. 4  is an alternative embodiment of an image forming device  400  equipped with an optional media feeder  405  used in conjunction with a high-capacity media storage unit  410 . In this alternative embodiment, the high capacity media storage unit  410  is configured to store a quantity of print media for use in the image forming device  400 . The media storage unit  410  may include a tray (not shown) for holding the print media and one or more belts that support and move the tray. For example, as the print media is taken out of the storage unit  410  by the media feeder  405 , the tray is lifted towards the media feeder  405  so that the next sheet of print media is positioned to be taken by the feeder  405 . It will be appreciated that other methods of transferring media from the high-capacity media storage unit  410  into the media feeder  405  may be used. 
   The optional output finishing unit  415  can include a series of trays or bins  420  in order to organize media discharged from the image forming device  400 . For example, the output finishing unit  415  may be configured to collate discharged media into the series of trays or bins  420 . 
   With continued reference to  FIG. 4 , the image forming device  400  may be configured to have the media feeder  405 , high-capacity media storage unit  410  and the output finishing unit  415  vertically stacked to reduce the overall footprint  425  of the image forming device  400 . To allow the media feeder  405  and the output unit to be on the same side of the image forming device  400 , the media feeder  405  is configured to input print media into a duplex media path as described previously. In one embodiment, the media feeder  405 , high-capacity media storage unit  410  and the output finishing unit  415  may be an integral unit contained within a common housing. It will be appreciated that the media feeder  405 , the high-capacity media storage unit  410  and the output finishing unit  415  can be configured as separate components, or a combination of separate/integral components. Furthermore, depending on the configuration, the components may be attachable/detachable together or separately from the image forming device  400 . Having removable components may assist in handling the image forming device  400  in situations such as servicing, repairing, packaging, or transporting the device  400 . 
   The embodiments previously shown describe an image forming device configured to accept media inputted directly into the duplex media path. In another embodiment, an existing image forming device may be retrofitted or otherwise re-configured to accept print media directly into the duplex media path. For example, retrofitting may include creating an opening in or removing a side wall from an image forming device so as to provide access to the duplex or return media path. A media feeder can then be attached and configured to supply print media directly into the duplex media path as described above. Firmware of the image forming device can then be modified to control media input to the duplex path, for example, as described with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
   Illustrated in  FIG. 5  is one embodiment of a methodology  500  associated with processing an imaging request by inputting print media through a duplex media path of an image forming device. The illustrated elements denote “processing blocks” and represents instructions or groups of instructions that cause a processor, mechanism, or other device to perform a function, an action, and/or to make a decision. Alternatively, the processing blocks may represent functions and/or actions performed by functionally equivalent circuits such as a digital signal processor circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other logic device. The diagram, as well as the other illustrated diagrams, does not depict syntax of any particular programming language. Rather, the diagram illustrates functional information one skilled in the art could use to fabricate circuits, generate computer software, or use a combination of hardware and software to perform the illustrated processing. It will be appreciated that electronic and software applications may involve dynamic and flexible processes such that the illustrated blocks can be performed in other sequences different than the one shown and/or blocks may be combined or separated into multiple components. 
   With reference to  FIG. 5 , the methodology will be described with reference to an image forming device configured with a high capacity media storage unit and feeder. The image forming device is configured with a primary media path where media is imaged and a duplex media path configured to transfer media into the primary media path for initial imaging and carry imaged print media back to the primary media path for additional imaging. 
   The process is commenced upon receiving an imaging request (block  505 ). The imaging request may include one or more user selected imaging options, default imaging options, or a combination of both. Print media can be selected from a designated source based on the imaging options. At block  510 , the media source is determined, such as, whether the high capacity storage is to be used. The decision at block  510  may also be based on a type of input mechanism to be used during imaging, for example, the high capacity feeder. 
   If the high-capacity media storage unit is the media input source, the media is retrieved from the high capacity storage unit (block  515 ) and directly inputted into the duplex media path (block  520 ). In other words, the inputted media initially by-passes the primary media path. The inputted media is then carried along the duplex media path and transferred to the primary media path (block  525 ) where an image is formed onto the media (block  530 ). 
   If, at block  510 , the media is to be inputted from a source other than the high-capacity media storage unit, the media is retrieved from the other source (block  535 ) and transferred directly into the primary media path for imaging (block  530 ). In either scenario, once the media is imaged, the process determines whether a single or double-sided (duplex) imaging request is being processed (block  540 ). 
   If single-sided imaging is being performed, the imaged media is completed and is discharged to an output (block  545 ). The discharged media may then be finished with a desired finishing operation if available. 
   If, at block  540 , duplex imaging is being performed, the single-sided imaged media is flipped (block  550 ) so that imaging can be performed on its reverse side. Once flipped, the media is moved through the duplex media path (block  555 ) which carries the media back to the primary media path for reverse side imaging (block  560 ). The reverse side is then imaged. Following completion of the double-sided imaging request the imaged media is discharged to an output (block  545 ). 
   Although the described embodiments refer to the imaging forming function taking place along the primary media path, it will be appreciated that an image forming device may be configured to image the media in other areas located within the image forming device. For example, the image forming device may be configured to image the media along the duplex media path or between the primary and duplex media paths without departing from the scope and function of the present system. 
   While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant&#39;s general inventive concept.