Abstract: A system for determining the location of an edge of a sheet of media for alignment purposes utilizes a beam of light directed at the media surface to produce a reflected light beam. The reflected light beam intensity varies in response to the reflectivity of the surface on which it impinges and the beam position shifts in accordance with the datum of the surface at which the reflected beam is originated. By monitoring both intensity and positional information of the reflected beam as it is scanned across the media edge, the edge location can be determined using a weighted combination of the intensity and positional information.

Abstract: A system for determining the location of an edge of a sheet of media for alignment purposes utilizes a beam of light directed at the media surface to produce a reflected light beam. The reflected light beam intensity varies in response to the reflectivity of the surface on which it impinges and the beam position shifts in accordance with the datum of the surface at which the reflected beam is originated. By monitoring both intensity and positional information of the reflected beam as it is scanned across the media edge, the edge location can be determined using a weighted combination of the intensity and positional information.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, the control over a high- speed non-linear actuator is improved by linearizing the relationship between the actuating impetus and the feedback control signal via a method that employs the separate and concurrent control of the static and dynamic characteristics of the device without resorting to the use of force-feedback or field-strength feedback. The resonant frequency of the plunger of the actuator is manipulated during operation such as to maintain it at a substantially fixed optimal value. The method is particularly advantageous in devices where space is at a premium and force-feedback or field-strength feedback mechanisms are difficult to implement.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, the control over a high- speed non-linear actuator is improved by linearizing the relationship between the actuating impetus and the feedback control signal via a method that employs the separate and concurrent control of the static and dynamic characteristics of the device without resorting to the use of force-feedback or field-strength feedback. The resonant frequency of the plunger of the actuator is manipulated during operation such as to maintain it at a substantially fixed optimal value. The method is particularly advantageous in devices where space is at a premium and force-feedback or field-strength feedback mechanisms are difficult to implement.