1. Field of the Invention.
The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, and, more particularly, to device access area illumination in an imaging apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art.
An all-in-one (AIO) imaging machine, also sometimes known as a multifunction machine, typically combines an ink jet printer and a flatbed scanner. AIOs are becoming more popular as prices continue to decrease and the amount of functionality increases. The ink jet printer versions of AIO machines generally result in lower box cost. Usually, in this type of AIO machine the scanning unit is mounted above the ink jet printing unit. The result is a machine that looks very much like a copier. A problem also results in that access to the ink jet printhead cartridges in the printing unit can be difficult. Most AIO machines hinge the scanner portion so that it may be tipped up to allow access to the cartridge installation/removal area of the printing unit. A problem for such AIO machines is that the access area is still rather dark. In many such AIO machines, the visual cue to identify the Black vs. the Color printhead cartridge is the cartridge plastic top color. Unfortunately, the access cavity in the printing unit is darkest near the top of the printhead cartridge, and identification may be difficult.
The present invention provides illumination for a device access area in an imaging apparatus.
The invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is directed to an imaging apparatus having a device access area. The imaging apparatus includes a light source mounted to the imaging apparatus. The light source is positioned to illuminate the device access area to counter darkness in the device access area of the imaging apparatus.
The invention, in another exemplary embodiment, is directed to an imaging apparatus. The imaging apparatus includes a printing unit including at least one replaceable supply item, and a supply item access area associated with the at least one replaceable supply item. A scanning unit is pivotably attached to the printing unit. The scanning unit has a closed position and an opened position in relation to the printing unit. A switch is positioned to detect when the scanning unit is moved from the closed position toward the opened position. A light source is coupled to the switch. The light source is positioned to provide light to illuminate the supply item access area.
The invention, in another exemplary embodiment, is directed to a method for use with an imaging apparatus having a device access area and a light source mounted to the imaging apparatus. The method includes emitting light from the light source to illuminate the device access area of the imaging apparatus to counter darkness in the device access area.
The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate embodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
Referring now to the drawings and particularly to
Imaging apparatus 10 may communicate with host 14 via a standard communication protocol, such as for example, universal serial bus (USB) or Ethernet. As used herein, the term “communications link” is used to generally refer to structure that facilitates electronic communication between two components, and may operate using wired or wireless technology. Communications link 16 may be established, for example, by a direct cable connection, wireless connection or by a network connection, such as for example an Ethernet local area network (LAN).
Alternatively, imaging apparatus 10 may be a standalone unit that is not communicatively linked to a host, such as host 14. For example, imaging apparatus 10 may take the form of a multifunction machine, e.g., an all-in-one (AIO) machine, which includes standalone copying and facsimile capabilities, in addition to optionally serving as a printer when attached to a host, such as host 14.
As an AIO machine, imaging apparatus 10 includes a printing unit 18 and a scanning unit 20. Scanning unit 20 is pivotably attached to printing unit 18 to be movable with respect to printing unit 18. Scanning unit 20 has a scanner body 22, and a scanner lid 24 pivotably attached to scanner body 22 to be movable with respect to scanner body 22.
During periods of nonuse of imaging apparatus 10, scanning unit 20 is in the closed position and scanner lid 24 is in the closed position, as depicted in
Referring to
Referring to
In the context of the examples for imaging apparatus 10 given above, printing unit 18 may be, for example, an ink jet printing unit configured for forming an image on a sheet of print media 44, such as a sheet of paper, transparency or fabric. As an ink jet printing unit, for example, printing unit 18 operates one or more ink jet printhead cartridges to eject ink droplets onto the sheet of print media 44 in order to reproduce text and/or images.
Host 14 may be, for example, a personal computer including an input/output (I/O) device 46, such as keyboard and display monitor. Host 14 further includes a processor, input/output (I/O) interfaces, memory, such as RAM, ROM, NVRAM, and a mass data storage device, such as a hard drive, CD-ROM and/or DVD units. During operation, host 14 includes in its memory a software program including program instructions that function as an imaging driver 48, e.g., printer driver software for imaging apparatus 10. Imaging driver 48 is in communication with controller 34 of imaging apparatus 10 via communications link 16. Imaging driver 48 facilitates communication between imaging apparatus 10 and host 14, and may provide formatted print data to imaging apparatus 10, and more particularly, to printing unit 18.
Alternatively, however, all or a portion of imaging driver 48 may be located in controller 34 of imaging apparatus 10. For example, where imaging apparatus 10 is a multifunction AIO machine having standalone capabilities, controller 34 of imaging apparatus 10 may include an imaging driver configured to support a copying function using scanning unit 20, and/or a fax-print function, and may be further configured to support a printer function. In this embodiment, the imaging driver facilitates communication of formatted print data, as determined by a selected print mode, to printing unit 18, and facilitates communication of scanned image data to controller 34.
Printing unit 18 may include, for example, a reciprocating printhead carrier 50 that carries one or more supply items 32, such as for example, a color ink jet printhead cartridge 52 and a monochrome ink jet printhead cartridge 54, containing a supply of imaging substance, e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow and/or black liquid ink. Optionally, printhead carrier 50 may also carry a reflectance sensor 56. Printhead carrier 50 transports ink jet printhead cartridges 52 and 54, and reflectance sensor 56 if so equipped, in a reciprocation manner along a bi-directional main scan axis 58 over an image surface of the sheet of print media 44 during printing and/or sensing operations.
Controller 34 serves to process print data and to operate printing unit 18 during printing, as well as to operate scanning unit 20, process image data obtained via scanning unit 20, and process printhead alignment data obtained by scanning unit 20 or reflectance sensor 56. In order for print data from host 14 to be properly printed by printing unit 18, the RGB data generated by host 14 is converted into data compatible with printing unit 18 and ink jet printhead cartridges 52, 54. Alternatively, monochrome ink jet printhead cartridge 54 may be replaced by another color printhead cartridge, such as a photo printhead cartridge for jetting diluted color and mono inks.
In the embodiment shown in
Referring to
Referring to the embodiment of
In one example, when scanning unit 20 is moved to the opened position with respect to printing unit 18, as depicted in
Light source 68 may continuously illuminate device access area 28, e.g., supply item access area 30, or may be coupled to a switch, such as switch 70 shown in
Switch 70 may be coupled, directly or indirectly, to light source 68 to selectively energize light source 68. Switch 70 may be positioned, for example, to detect when scanning unit 20 is moved, e.g., lifted, from the closed position (e.g.,
In the embodiment of
Lens 74a, which may be glass or plastic, may be used to focus or spread light rays 76 at device access area 28, depending on the geometry of lens 74a. Light pipe 74b, which may be glass or plastic, may be used to collect and transport light along a rigid pathway. Fiber optics cable 74c may be used to collect and transport light along a flexible pathway, and thus, permits light emitter 72 to be located at a convenient location available in or on imaging apparatus 10, even below printhead carrier 50 if desired, so long as the location permits fiber optics cable 74c to deliver light rays 76 to device access area 28.
While this invention has been described with respect to embodiments of the invention, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.