Media width detecting system for an imaging apparatus

A media width detecting system comprising:

• a bar code pattern including a predetermined number X of total bars provided at intervals on a media path so as to extend along a width of the media path;
• a reader provided relative to said media path so as to view an entire width of the bar code pattern, wherein media in the media path which traverses the bar code pattern provides for a first number N of uncovered bars on one side or both sides of the media which can be read by the reader;
• and
• a computing device operationally associated with the reader which computes a second number W of bars covered by the media traversing the bar code pattern based on a difference between the predetermined number X of total bars and the first number N of uncovered bars to determine a width of the media traversing the bar code pattern.

A media width detecting system comprising:

• a measuring pattern;
• a reader positioned to view the measuring pattern, wherein media which traverses the measuring pattern blocks a portion of the measuring pattern from being viewed by the reader;
• and
• a computing device operationally associated with the reader which determines a width of the media traversing the measuring pattern based on at least a width of the portion of the measuring pattern blocked by the media traversing the measuring pattern.

A method of measuring a size of media being conveyed along a media path, the method comprising:

• providing a first measuring pattern across a width of the media path;
• positioning a reader relative to the media path so as to view a full width of the first measuring pattern;
• and
• determining a width of media in the media path which traverses the first measuring pattern based on at least a width of a portion of the first measuring pattern which is blocked from being viewed by the reader by the media traversing the first measuring pattern.

A printing apparatus comprising:

• a media supply section having at least one media entry opening for the passage of media therethrough;
• a printing section adapted to accept media from the media supply section;
• a media path for the passage of media from the media supply section to the printing section;
• and
• a media width detecting system positioned on said media path;
• said media width detecting system comprising:
• a measuring pattern provided across a width of the media path;
• a reader positioned relative to the media path to view the measuring pattern, wherein media in the media path which traverses the measuring pattern blocks a portion of the measuring pattern from being viewed by the reader;
• and
• a computing device operationally associated with the reader which determines a width of the media traversing the measuring pattern based on at least a width of the portion of the measuring pattern blocked by the media traversing the measuring pattern.

A printing apparatus comprising:

• a media supply section having at least one media entry opening for the passage of media therethough;
• at least one media supply cassette having a media supply roll therein and positioned at said at least one media entry opening to supply media to said media supply section;
• a printing section adapted to accept media from the media supply section;
• and
• a media width detecting system positioned at an exit of said at least one media supply cassette;
• said media width detecting system comprising:
• a measuring pattern positioned on a media path at said exit;
• a reader positioned to view the measuring pattern, wherein media which traverses the measuring pattern blocks a portion of the measuring pattern from being viewed by the reader;
• and
• a computing device operationally associated with the reader which determines a width of the media traversing the measuring pattern based on at least a width of the portion of the measuring pattern blocked by the media traversing the measuring pattern.

A printing apparatus comprising:

• a media supply section having at least one media entry opening for the passage of media therethrough;
• a printing section adapted to accept media from the media supply section;
• a media path for the passage of media from the media supply section to the printing section;
• and
• a media width detecting system positioned on said media path;
• said media width detecting system comprising:
• a measuring pattern provided across a width of the media path;
• and
• a reader positioned relative to the media path to view the measuring pattern, wherein media in the media path which traverses the measuring pattern blocks a potion of the measuring pattern from being view by the reader, and a width of the media traversing the measuring pattern is measured based on at least a width of the portion of the measuring pattern blocked by the media traversing the measuring pattern.