Title of Invention

METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY IDENTIFYING TYPE OF MEDIA IN A PLURALITY OF MEDIA TRAYS

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for automatically identifying a type of media in a media tray of imaging system, the imaging system comprising one or more media trays, each of the one or more media trays holding media of the same type, the method comprising the steps of: determining weight of a single medium in a set of media present in the media tray; determining the type of media stored in the media tray depending on weight of the single medium; and the method optionally comprising the steps of: mapping each of the one or more media trays to the types of media.

Full Text

* FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY The present invention relates to the field of imaging devices. Specifically, the present invention relates to the field of configuration of media trays and media types in imaging devices and describes a method for automatically identifying a type of media in a media tray of an imaging system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for automatically identifying a type of media in a media tray of an imaging system. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART Imaging devices can be categorized as devices that perform one or more of the following functions: converting an image on a media into digital form, printing an image present in digital form onto a media, copying an image from one media to another media, capturing images of objects in digital form, and the like. Examples of imaging devices comprise, but are not limited to, scanner, printer, copier, Multifunction Peripheral (MFP), and the like. Examples of media comprise, but are not limited to, papers, transparencies, photo sheets, and the like. The media used in the imaging devices can be of various types. The various types of media vary based on a single or a combination of properties of the media. Examples of properties of media comprise, but are not limited to, thickness, opaqueness, smoothness, and the like. The imaging devices use plurality of media trays for holding media. Each of the media trays is used to hold media of a specific type. For example, in an MFP, one tray may be used to store a coated presentation bond paper while another tray may be used to store an adhesive glossy photo paper. Traditionally, the various media trays present in the imaging devices are configured manually by the user. The user manually specifies the type of media being used in a media tray in the imaging devices. Also, the user has to keep reconfiguring the imaging devices whenever a media tray in the imaging device is reloaded. Therefore, there exists a need to provide a method for automatically identifying and configuring the type of media in a media tray of an imaging device. Further, there is a need to provide a method for dynamically reconfiguring the media trays in the imaging devices at the occurrence of specific events. Examples of specific events comprise reloading of a media tray in the imaging device, receiving specific instructions from the user, and the like. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The shortcomings set forth above are eliminated by the present invention, which is a method for automatically identifying a type of media in a media tray of an imaging system. An object of the invention is to automatically identify a type of media in a media tray of an imaging system. Another object of the invention is to map each of the media trays in an imaging system to types of media. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a method for automatically identifying a type of media in a media tray of an imaging system. In the preferred embodiment, the invention is directed to a method for automatically identifying and configuring the type of media in a media tray of an imaging device. The imaging system comprises one or more media trays, each of the one or more media trays holding media of the same type. The method comprises the steps of determining weight of a single medium in a set of media present in the media tray; determining the type of media stored in the media tray depending on weight of the single medium; and mapping each of the one or more media trays to the types of media. One advantage of the present invention is that it provides a method for automatically identifying the type of media in a media tray of an imaging system. The automatic identification of the type of media may be performed even when the different types of media are of different brands. Another advantage of the present invention is that, the method also provides a mapping of each of the media trays present in the imaging system and the types of media. The automatic identification of the type of media in a media tray may be performed regularly whenever the media tray is closed. The automatic identification of the type of media in a media tray may also be performed on the command of the user. The present invention provides a method for automatically identifying a type of media in a media tray of an imaging system, the imaging system comprising one or more media trays, each of the one or more media trays holding media of the same type, the method comprising the steps of: a. determining weight of a single medium in a set of media present in the media tray; b. determining the type of media stored in the media tray depending on weight of the single medium; and the method optionally comprising the step of either: c. mapping each of the one or more media trays to the types of media. The other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the ensuing detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an imaging system, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 is a flowchart of a method for automatically identifying a type of media in a media tray of an imaging system, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figure 2b is an exemplary table comprising information about the various types of media and the corresponding weights of the various types of media. Figure 3 is a flowchart of a method for automatically identifying a type of media in a media tray of an imaging system, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating a system for automatically identifying a type of media in a media tray of an imaging system, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating components of a weight determining module, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood however that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. The following description and drawings are not to be construed as limiting the invention and numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention, as the basis for the claims and as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention. However in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention in detail. Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an imaging system 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment of the invention, imaging system 102 is a system that comprises one or more imaging devices and zero or more controlling devices. Imaging devices can be categorized as devices that perform one or more of the following functions: converting an image on a media into digital form, printing an image present in digital form onto a media, copying an image from one media to another media, capturing images of objects in digital form, and the like. Examples of imaging devices comprise, but are not limited to, printers, scanners, copiers, Multi-function Peripherals (MFPs), and the like. Controlling devices can be categorized as devices that are capable of storing images in a digital format and controlling the functions of the imaging devices. Examples of controlling devices comprise a personal computer, a laptop, a mobile phone, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), and the like. In an embodiment of the invention, the one or more controlling devices are connected to each other in a Local Area Network (LAN) and share one or more imaging devices. In an embodiment of the invention, imaging system 102 is a stand-alone printer device. In another embodiment of the invention, imaging system 102 is an MFP. In yet another embodiment of the invention, imaging system 102 is a stand-alone copier. As illustrated in FIG. 1, imaging system 102 comprises media trays 104a and 104b. However, in other embodiments of the invention, imaging system 102 may comprise any number of media trays. Media trays 104a and 104b are trays present in the imaging system that are capable of holding media 106a and 106b, respectively. Examples of media 106a and 106b comprise papers, transparencies, photographic sheets, laminates, and the like. All the media in media tray 104a are of the same type. Similarly, all the media in media tray 104a are of the same type. In various embodiments of the invention, the type of media may vary based on a collection of properties of the media. Examples of the properties of the media comprise thickness, opaqueness, smoothness, and the like. In various other embodiments of the invention, the type of media may vary based on a single property of the media. The property of the media may be thickness, opaqueness, smoothness, and the like. Each type of media has a corresponding weight associated to the type of media. For example, a coated presentation bond paper may have a weight of 5 grams while an adhesive glossy photo paper may have a weight of 7.5 grams. FIG. 2a is a flowchart of a method for automatically identifying a type of media in a media tray of an imaging system, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The imaging system comprises one or more media trays, the one or more media trays holding one or more media of the same type, respectively. At step 202, weight of a single medium in a set of media present in the media tray is determined. The set of media comprises all the media present in the media tray. At step 204, the type of media stored in the media tray is determined depending on the weight of the single medium. Step 204 is performed using one or more tables stored in the imaging system. The one or more tables comprise information about the various types of media and the corresponding weights of the various types of media. In various embodiments of the invention, each of the one or more tables corresponds to a particular brand of media. For example, the imaging system may have two tables, table A and table B. Table A comprising various media of brand A with varying opaqueness and table B comprising various media of brand B of varying opaqueness and thickness. FIG. 2b is an exemplary table comprising information about the various types of media and the corresponding weights of the various types of media. In various embodiments of the invention, the information comprised in the one or more tables is capable of being updated. In an embodiment of the invention, the one or more tables can be updated through the Internet. In another embodiment of the invention, a user can update the one or more table manually through an input device. In an embodiment of the invention, the input device is present in the imaging system. In another embodiment of the invention, the input device is connected to the imaging system. In an embodiment of the invention, the input device is a controlling device. In another embodiment of the invention, the input device is a keyboard. However, the input device may be any other suitable input device known in the art. Further, the method for automatically identifying a type of media in a media tray of an imaging system may perform an optional step 206. At step 206, each of the one or more media trays in the imaging system are mapped to the types of media. For example, according to FIG. 2b, if the weight of a single medium in a first media tray of the imaging system is determined as 5 grams, one of the one or more tables may be used to identify the type of media as a coated presentation bond paper. Further, if the weight of a single medium in a second media tray is determined as 7.5 grams one or more tables may be used to identify the type of media as an adhesive glossy photo paper. In various embodiments of the invention, step 202 to step 206 are performed at the occurrence of a specific event. In an embodiment of the invention, the specific event is the closing of the media tray in the imaging device. In another embodiment of the invention, the specific event is the receiving of a specific instruction from the user. Examples of specific instructions include, but are not limited to, a print command from the user to a printing device, or a reconfigure instruction from the user, and the like. In various other embodiments of the invention, step 202 to step 206 are performed at regular intervals. In an embodiment of the invention, the user may specify the regular intervals. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for automatically identifying a type of media in a media tray of an imaging system, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The imaging system comprises one or more media trays, the one or more media trays holding one or more media of the same type, respectively. At step 302, weight of a set of media in the media tray is measured. The set of media comprises all the media present in the media tray. In an embodiment of the invention, the weight of the set of media is counted through a digital weighing device. In an embodiment of the invention, the digital weighing device is present in the imaging system. In another embodiment of the invention, the digital weighing device is connected to the imaging system. In an embodiment of the invention, one digital weighing device is used by all the media trays in the imaging system, for measuring the weight of the set of media in the corresponding media tray. In another embodiment of the invention, each media tray in the imaging device has a separate digital weighing device for measuring the weight of the set of media in the corresponding media tray. At step 304, number of media in the set of media is counted. In an embodiment of the invention, the number of media is counted through a counter. An example of the counter is an electronic currency counter used in banks to count currency notes. However, any other suitable counter known in the art may be used for counting the media. At step 306, a ratio of the weight of the set of media to the number of media in the set of media is computed. The ratio of the weight of the set of media to the number of media in the set of media is equal to weight of a single medium in the media tray. At step 308, the type of media stored in the media tray is determined depending on the weight of a single medium in the media tray. Step 308 is performed using one or more tables stored in the imaging system. The one or more tables comprise information about the various types of media and the corresponding weights of the various types of media. In various embodiments of the invention each of the one or more tables corresponds to a particular brand of media. For example, the imaging system may have two tables, table A and table B. Table A comprising various media of brand A with varying opaqueness and table B comprising various media of brand B of varying opaqueness and thickness. As mentioned above, FIG. 2b is an exemplary table comprising information about the various types of media and the corresponding weights of the various types of media. In various embodiments of the invention the information comprised in the one or more tables is capable of being updated. In an embodiment of the invention, the one or more tables can be updated through the Internet. In various other embodiments of the invention, a user can update the one or more table manually through an input device. In an embodiment of the invention, the input device is present in the imaging system. In another embodiment of the invention, the input device is connected to the imaging system. In an embodiment of the invention, the input device is a controlling device. In another embodiment of the invention, the input device is a keyboard. However, the input device may be other suitable device known in the art. Further, the method for automatically identifying a type of media in a media tray of an imaging system may perform an optional step 308. At step 308, each of the one or more media trays in the imaging system is mapped to the types of media. For example, according to FIG. 2b, if the weight of a single medium in a first media tray of the imaging system is determined as 5 grams, one of the one or more tables may be used to identify the type of media as a coated presentation bond paper. Further, if the weight of a single medium in a second media tray is determined as 7.5 grams, one or more tables may be used to identify the type of media as an adhesive glossy photo paper. In various embodiments of the invention, steps 302 to 308 are performed at the occurrence of a specific event. In an embodiment of the invention, the specific event is the closing of the media tray in the imaging device. In another embodiment of the invention, the specific event is the receiving of a specific instruction from the user. Examples of specific instructions include, but are not limited to, a print command from the user to a printing device, or a reconfigure instruction from the user, and the like. In various other embodiments of the invention, steps 302 to 308 are performed at regular intervals. In an embodiment of the invention, the user may specify the regular intervals. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a system 400 for automatically identifying a type of media in media tray 104a of imaging system 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. System 400 comprises a weight determining module 402, and a media type determining module 404. Further, the system optionally comprises a mapping module 406, an updating device 408, an input device 410, and a disabling switch 412. Weight determining module 402 determines the weight of a single medium in a set of media present in media tray 104a. The set of media comprises complete media 106a present in media tray 104a. Media type determining module 404 determines the type of media stored in media tray 104a based on the weight of the single medium and one or more tables stored in imaging system 102. The one or more tables comprise information about the various types of media and the corresponding weights of the various types of media. In various embodiments of the invention, each of the one or more tables corresponds to a particular brand of media. For example, the imaging system may have two tables, table A and table B. Table A comprising various media of brand A with varying opaqueness and table B comprising various media of brand B of varying opaqueness and thickness. Mapping module 406 maps media trays 106a and 106b to the types of media present in media trays 106a and 106b, respectively. Updating device 408 is capable of updating at least one of the one or more tables through the Internet. Input device 410 enables a user of imaging system 102 to manually update at least one of the one or more tables. Disabling switch 412 enables the user of imaging system 102 to manually disable the automatic identification of the type of media stored in media tray 04a of imaging system 102. In various embodiments of the invention, step 202 is performed by weight determining module 402, step 204 is performed by media type determining module 404, and step 206 is performed by mapping module 406 with reference to FIG.2a. FIG.5 is a block diagram illustrating components of weight determining module 402, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. Weight determining module 402 comprises a digital weighing device 502, a counter 504, and a computing module 506. Digital weighing device 502 measures the weight of a set of media present in media tray 104a. The set of media comprises all media 106a present in media tray 104a. In an embodiment of the invention, digital weighing device 502 is present in imaging system 102. In another embodiment of the invention, digital weighing device 502 is connected to imaging system 102. Counter 504 counts number of media in the set of media. Computing module 506 computes the ratio of the weight of the set of media to the number of media in the set of media. In various embodiments of the invention, step 302 is performed by digital weighing device 502, step 304 is performed by counter 504, and step 306 is performed by computing module 506 with reference to FIG.3. It will also be obvious to those skilled in the art that other control methods and apparatuses can be derived from the combinations of the various methods and apparatuses of the present invention as taught by the description and the accompanying drawings and these shall also be considered within the scope of the present invention. Further, description of such combinations and variations is therefore omitted above. It should also be noted that the host for storing the applications include but not limited to a microchip, microprocessor, handheld communication device, computer, rendering device or a multi function device. Although the present invention has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications are possible and are apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom. WE CLAIM 1. A method for automatically identifying a type of media in a media tray of an imaging system, the imaging system comprising one or more media trays, each of the one or more media trays holding media of the same type, the method comprising the steps of: a. determining weight of a single medium in a set of media present in the media tray; b. determining the type of media stored in the media tray depending on weight of the single medium; and the method optionally comprising the steps of: c. mapping each of the one or more media trays to the types of media. 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the imaging system is a Multifunction Peripheral (MFP). 3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of media is a collection of papers, transparencies or photographic sheets. 4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of determining weight of the single medium comprises the steps of: a. measuring weight of the set of media; b. counting number of media in the set of media; and 7 c. computing a ratio of the weight of the set of media to the number of media in the set of media. 5. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the step of measuring weight of the set of media is performed by a digital weighing device present in the imaging system. 6. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the step of counting the number of media is performed by a counter present in the imaging system. 7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of determining the type of media stored in the media tray is based on specific information stored in the imaging system, the specific information comprises one or more tables, each of the one or more tables comprising information regarding various types of media and corresponding weights of the various types of media. 8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein each of the one or more tables stored in the imaging system corresponds to a particular brand of media. 9. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the specific information is capable of being updated through the Internet or manually by a user of the imaging system. 10. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of determining the type of media stored in the media tray is performed whenever a specific event is performed. 11. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the specific event is closing of the media tray or provision of specific instructions from a user of the imaging system. 12. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of determining the type of media stored in the media tray is performed at predefined intervals. 13. A system to perform the method as claimed in claim 1, the system comprising: a. a weight determining module, the weight determining module determining the weight of the single medium in the set of media present in the media tray; and b. a media type determining module, the media type determining module determining the type of media stored in the media tray based on weight of the single medium and one or more tables stored in the imaging system, the one or more tables comprising information regarding various types of media and corresponding weights of the various types of media; and the system optionally comprising: c. a mapping module, the mapping module mapping each of the one or more media trays to the types of media; d. an updating device, the updating device capable of downloading an update for at least one of the one or more tables through the Internet; e. an input device, the input device enabling a user of the imaging system to manually update at least one of the one or more tables; and f. a disabling switch, the disabling switch enabling the user of the imaging system to manually disable the automatic identification of the type of media stored in the media tray of the imaging system. 14. The system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the weight determining module comprises: a. a digital weighing device, the digital weighing device measuring the weight of the set of media; b. a counter, the counter counting the number of media in the set of media; and c. a computing module, the computing module computing the ratio of the weight of the set of media to the number of media in the set of media. 15. The system as claimed in claim 15, wherein each of the one or more tables corresponds to a particular brand of media. 16. A method for automatically identifying a type of media in a media tray of an imaging system such as herein described with reference to the description and the accompanying drawings.

Documents:

1890-CHE-2005 AMENDED CLAIMS 07-05-2012.pdf

1890-CHE-2005 AMENDED PAGES OF SPECIFICATION 07-05-2012.pdf

1890-CHE-2005 FORM-1 07-05-2012.pdf

1890-CHE-2005 AMENDED PAGES OF SPECIFICATION. 30-03-2012.pdf

1890-CHE-2005 AMENDED CLAIMS. 30-03-2012.pdf

1890-CHE-2005 CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS 07-05-2012.pdf

1890-CHE-2005 EXAMINATION REPORT REPLY RECEIVED. 30-03-2012.pdf

1890-CHE-2005 FORM.1 30-03-2012.pdf

1890-CHE-2005 FORM.5.pdf

1890-CHE-2005 OTHER PATENT DOCUMENT 30-03-2012.pdf

1890-CHE-2005 OTHER PATENT DOCUMENT. 30-03-2012.pdf

1890-CHE-2005 POWER OF ATTORNEY 07-05-2012.pdf

1890-CHE-2005 POWER OF ATTORNEY. 30-03-2012.pdf

1890-che-2005-abstract.pdf

1890-che-2005-claims.pdf

1890-che-2005-correspondnece-others.pdf

1890-che-2005-description(complete).pdf

1890-che-2005-drawings.pdf

1890-che-2005-form 1.pdf

1890-che-2005-form 13.pdf

1890-che-2005-form 26.pdf