Print Media Tray Sensor Logic Locking for Accurate Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging systems provide inaccurate depictions of print media levels due to sensor degradation and inconsistent signal analysis, leading to unreliable notifications.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a processing resource that locks a first sensor in a logic state after a printing event, allowing it to remain locked until a second printing event is detected, thereby preventing false readings and extending sensor life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor continuously monitors print media levels, then the system provides real-time information, but the sensor degrades faster and provides inaccurate readings
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is activated periodically based on printing events rather than continuously monitoring. The sensor transitions between active and inactive states, activating only when a printing event occurs and remaining inactive during idle periods. This periodic operation reduces cumulative exposure to degrading conditions while maintaining necessary monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor automatically transitions between active and inactive states based on printing event detection without requiring external control. The sensor serves itself by detecting when it needs to be active (printing event) and when it can be inactive (no printing event), optimizing its own operational life while maintaining system functionality.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor operates continuously to detect print media levels, then the system responds quickly to level changes, but the sensor provides inconsistent readings under different external noise conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor operates periodically based on printing events rather than continuously, which reduces exposure to external noise conditions. By activating only when necessary (during printing events) and remaining inactive during idle periods, the sensor encounters fewer varying external conditions that could cause inconsistent readings.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is activated in advance of potential measurement needs by detecting printing events. This preliminary activation ensures the sensor is ready to provide accurate readings when needed, while the controlled timing of activation reduces exposure to external noise conditions that occur during idle periods.
3Speed
If the sensor remains active to provide continuous monitoring, then the system can immediately detect print media level changes, but the sensor degrades due to prolonged exposure to environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor transitions between active and inactive states based on printing events. During inactive periods, the sensor is protected from environmental degradation. When a printing event occurs, the sensor activates quickly to detect print media level changes, providing fast response when needed while minimizing cumulative exposure to degrading conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor's operational state is dynamically adjusted based on system conditions. The sensor transitions from an inactive state during idle periods to an active state when printing events occur, optimizing the balance between detection speed and operational life through state changes rather than continuous operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples described herein relate to system and methods consistent with the disclosure. For instance, the imaging system comprises a tray to receive print media, a first sensor to detect a first printing event in the imaging system, a second sensor to detect a second printing event in the imaging system, and a processing resource to determine if the first sensor detected a first printing event, based on the first sensor detecting print media reaching or dropping below a threshold level in the tray, set a logic state based on determining if the first sensor detected the first printing event, maintain the set logic state responsive to the determination that the first sensor detected the first printing event until the second printing event is detected by the second sensor.