摘要 |
A media detector for use in a printing device and method of differentiating between glossy-finish and matte-finish print media are disclosed. An embodiment of the media detector includes a source, sensor, and polarized filter. The source transmits an unpolarized first light signal and is positioned so that this signal is transmitted toward a sheet of print media at a first angle with respect to a normal to a surface of the sheet of print media. The sensor is positioned to detect an intensity of a reflected light signal from the sheet of print media. The polarized filter is positioned between the sensor and the sheet of print media so that the intensity of the reflected light signal detected by the sensor is less for a polarized reflected light signal than for an unpolarized reflected light signal. Polarization of the reflected light signal is dependent upon the first angle. A method in accordance with the present invention transmits an unpolarized first light signal toward a sheet of print media at a first angle with respect to a normal to a surface of the sheet of print media. This method also detects an intensity of a reflected light signal from the sheet of print media and differentiates between a polarized reflected light signal and unpolarized reflected light signal to determine whether the sheet of print media has a glossy-finish or a matte-finish. Other characteristics and features of the above-described media detector and method are described herein, as are alternative embodiments.
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