Abstract: Representative embodiments provide for a media level measurement apparatus, including a sensor to provide an ambient temperature signal, a controller, and a source configured to provide an electrical current. Also included are a thermistor device configured to provide a level signal corresponding to a level of a media in contact with a lengthwise portion of the thermistor device during an application of the pulse of electrical current, and a signal processor configured to provide a media level signal in accordance with the level signal and the ambient temperature signal. A method includes the steps of supporting a lengthwise portion of a thermistor device in contact with a media, applying an electrical pulse to the thermistor device, sensing a level signal from the thermistor device after a predetermined period of time, and providing a media level signal in corresponding to the level signal.

Abstract: Representative embodiments provide for a media level measurement apparatus, including a sensor to provide an ambient temperature signal, a controller, and a source configured to provide an electrical current. Also included are a thermistor device configured to provide a level signal corresponding to a level of a media in contact with a lengthwise portion of the thermistor device during an application of the pulse of electrical current, and a signal processor configured to provide a media level signal in accordance with the level signal and the ambient temperature signal. A method includes the steps of supporting a lengthwise portion of a thermistor device in contact with a media, applying an electrical pulse to the thermistor device, sensing a level signal from the thermistor device after a predetermined period of time, and providing a media level signal in corresponding to the level signal.

Abstract: A printer responds to a media gloss measurement for improved color printing. The printer includes a gloss meter, a controller, and a print engine. The gloss meter includes a solid body having a source tube and a reflection tube each being integral within the body. An LED in the source tube illuminates a reference surface at an angle of incidence. A photo sensor in the reflection tube responds to a first reference spectral reflection from the surface at an angle of reflection equal to the angle of incidence. When a sheet of media is registered by the printer against the reference surface, the photo sensor responds to a second spectral reflection from the media. The ratio of second to first spectral reflection intensities is compared to a selected threshold to identify the media by gloss level. When motion of the media is resumed, the media wipes the reference surface to maintain the accuracy of gloss measurements.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling image transfer device operations through use of a medium marking material on the image transfer medium being printed. The medium marking material is coded on the paper and sensed by the transfer device to control operations. The medium marking material is visible and/or legible to an operator prior to printing, but becomes invisible during or after printing operations. Responsive to the marking material sensed, a marking signal is produced and translated to a command signal recognized by the printer for controlling printer operations. Heat generated by the printing process causes the marking material to become virtually indistinguishable from the paper during/after printer operations.