Media detecting method and system for an imaging apparatus

A method of detecting a type of media for use in an imaging apparatus, the method comprising the steps of:

• directing a beam of infrared illumination onto a backside of a media having repeating indicia thereon;
• detecting the infrared illumination reflected from the backside of the media to provide for a first signal;
• detecting a change in the reflected infrared illumination when the repeating indicia receives said beam of infrared illumination to provide for a second signal;
• calculating a repeat distance of said indicia based on said first and second signals;
• and
• comparing said calculated repeat distance to stored indicia repeat distances for reference media to determine the type of media.

An imaging apparatus comprising:

• a media path for a passage of media therethrough;
• a light source for directing a beam of light onto a backside surface of media in the media path;
• a sensor positioned to receive light from the light source which reflects from the media in the media path, said sensor being adapted to provide a first signal when the light is reflected from the backside surface of the media and a second signal responsive to a change in an amount of the reflected light when a repeating indicia on the backside surface of the media receives the beam of light;
• and
• a controller adapted to calculate an indicia repeat distance based on said first and second signals, and compare said calculated repeat distance to stored indicia repeat distances for reference media to determine the type of media.