Abstract: A printing apparatus forming a printed matter by a printing medium on which a print is formed, including: a casing having a discharge port; a transporter; a print device forming the print on the printing medium; a cutter; and a controller configured to: obtain medium information; and when the printing medium is not set as a cutting target, control the transporter and the print device in cooperation to: form a desired print while transporting the printing medium; and further transport the printing medium after completion of the forming of the desired print and, when a first boundary part of the printing medium reaches a facing part facing an edge of the discharge port or when the first boundary part is discharged outside the casing, perform positioning by stopping the transporting of the printing medium.

Abstract: An electronic device detects occurrence of an error condition and selects a matrix code to include in an error message to transmit to a display device based on the error condition. A reader device decodes the displayed matrix code to present information regarding resolution of the error condition. The electronic device may select the matrix code by looking up the error condition in a table or by dynamically generate the matrix code. In various implementations, the electronic device may determine that the information regarding resolution of the error condition has been utilized to unsuccessfully resolve the error condition. If so, the electronic device may select and transmit and additional matrix code that may be decoded by the reader device to access and present an additional set of information regarding resolution of the error condition or to initiate an electronic device support request.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a fixing unit having a heating member that heats a recording medium, a backup member that rotates and contacts the heating member, and a pressure mechanism that supports one of the heating member and the backup member such that the one of the heating member and the backup member moves relative to the other. The apparatus includes a main body including the fixing unit inside, and has a first opening on a downstream side of the fixing unit and a second opening on a side of the main body different from the first opening. Also the apparatus has first and second covers that open and close the first and second openings, respectively, and an interlocking mechanism that causes the pressure mechanism to move the one of the heating member and the backup member in conjunction with movement of the first cover and the second cover.

Abstract: A printing material holding container is equipped with a case which is equipped with a front surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, a third side surface, a fourth side surface, and a back surface, with a printing material holding unit being provided on the inside of the case. A first insertion hole is provided on the front surface. A printing material injection port is provided on the case, communicating with the printing material holding portion. A recess is provided in a corner portion at which the front surface and the first side surface intersect each other. The device side terminal unit is inserted into the recess in the mounted state. The recess includes an opening which is an entrance when the device side terminal unit is inserted into the recess.

Abstract: A printer having a platen roller and a module that are engagable with each other for printing on paper is disclosed. The printer includes a status detecting mechanism including a detecting part having a detection function for detecting a status of the printer, a restricting part for restricting the detection function of the detecting part, and a function restriction releasing part for releasing the restricted function of the detecting part. The engagement of the platen roller and the module displaces the function restriction releasing part. The displacement causes the function restriction releasing part to release the restricted function of the detecting part.

Abstract: A size-reduced printer that conveys a recording sheet in a circulating manner along a ring-like conveyance path while printing a plurality of images on the recording sheet in different colors sequentially in a superimposed manner, thereby forming a full color image. When a ribbon cassette that contains a multi-color ink ribbon is loaded at a predetermined position within a printer housing, a ring-like conveyance path is formed between the ribbon cassette and the printer housing. While the thermal head is driven and the recording sheet is conveyed once in a circulating manner along the conveyance path, a one-color image is printed on a previous printed one-color image in a superimposed manner in a corresponding one of the different color inks of the multi-color ink ribbon, thereby forming a full color image finally.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) determines consecutive receipt jam event indications, involving at least two receipts, prior to generating a receipt jam signal. The machine, upon determining a jam event involving a first receipt, implements a jam annunciation delay routine. The routine delays generation of a receipt jam signal until at least the next receipt is also determined to be involved in a receipt jam event indication. The delay provides the opportunity for a user to clear the indicated receipt jam prior to generation of a receipt jam signal.

Abstract: The roll paper printer of the subject invention has a control to detect failure of a paper detector in accordance with a method for detecting such failure. The printer 1 is constructed so that the paper transportation path is open when the cover 3 to the roll paper compartment 10 is open and includes a paper detector 40 and a control unit 30 to determine if the paper detector 40 is faulty. A failure warning is provided by a warning indicator 7(S7, 8) to indicate failure of the paper detector 40 when the cover 3 has been open continuously for at least a first set time (S6) and the output state of the paper detector 40 has not changed even once to a no-paper state within the first set time. Preferably, the printing operation of the printer 1 is disabled upon determining that the paper detector 40 is faulty to permit replacement of the paper detector. Problems attributable to paper detector failure, such as soiling the platen with ink can thus be prevented.

Abstract: A full-loading sensing device and method thereof is provided for an image forming apparatus. The full-loading sensing device includes at least one lever rotated in different directions from reference locations by loading of a discharged paper and opening of a jam removal cover, respectively, and an optical sensor for sensing different rates of change in an amount of light corresponding to respective rotational directions of the lever. It is thereby possible to provide a single sensing mechanism that is capable of sensing and distinguishing both a full-loading state and a jam removal cover-open state.

Abstract: In a communication system, a call center is connectable via a communication line to a facsimile apparatus having a printing function. The facsimile apparatus reads ribbon-ID data of an ink ribbon mounted therein, and sends the read ribbon-ID data to the center device. The call center receives the ribbon-ID data from the facsimile apparatus, judges whether or not the ribbon-ID data is valid, and returns a result of the judgment to the facsimile apparatus.

Abstract: A printer includes a ribbon supply end, a ribbon retrieving end, and a ribbon. The two ends of the ribbon are installed on the ribbon supply end and the ribbon retrieving end respectively. The printer further includes a print head, a print medium fixture, a driving module for driving the ribbon from the ribbon supply end to the ribbon retrieving end, a moving shaft for moving from a first position of the ribbon between the print head and the ribbon supply end so as to elongate the ribbon between the print head and the ribbon supply end before the print head transfers dye on the ribbon onto the print medium and when the print head and the print medium fixture clamp the print medium, and a control module for controlling the printer according to whether the moving shaft can be moved from the first position to a second position.

Abstract: A holder for a rolled medium is provided. The holder has a mandrel having a drive surface adapted to receive the rolled medium and is adapted to be rotated so that an amount of rolled medium on the drive surface can be unrolled therefrom. A stop is located on a stop end of the drive surface. A retaining surface is located on a load end of the drive surface and is separated from the stop so that a rolled medium can be disposed therebetween with the retaining surface being movable between a first position where the retaining surface projects above the drive surface and a second position where the retaining surface does not project above the drive surface. A resilient biasing structure is joined to the retaining surface to drive the retaining surface toward the first position and the drive surface drives the rolled media toward the stop.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an upper part cover for covering the upper part of the body; a paper feeding portion disposed rearward of the upper part cover, into which paper is supplied; and a medium sensor disposed opposite the paper feeding portion, which judges the quality of paper; wherein a supporting portion molded integrally with the upper part cover for rotatably supporting the medium sensor is provided, and the medium sensor is provided with the first turning center supported on the supporting portion and the second turning center for rotatably holding the tip end portion at the free end side.

Abstract: A media sensor for an image forming apparatus is operative to sense and distinguish opaque, transparent or no media in a media path. In one embodiment, an optical source and detector are positioned on opposite sides of the media path, at an acute, non-zero angle with respect to a direction normal to the media path. In other embodiments, an optical source and detector are co-located on the same side of the media path with an optical barrier between them, and one or more reflective surfaces positioned on the opposite side. With no media in the media path, the detector receives a readily detectable amount of optical energy emitted by the source. For opaque media, the detector receives very little, if any, optical energy emitted by the source. For transparent media, the detector receives a level of optical energy between that in the cases of opaque media and no media.

Abstract: A pagewidth drop on demand printer includes a printhead having an array of fixed printing nozzles thereon. A platen having a platen surface upon which a sheet rides to receive ink from the printing nozzles is situated alongside the nozzles. A sensor is provided to measure an offset of the print surface of the sheet with respect to the printing nozzles and means is provided effecting movement of the platen to alter the offset. This is typically done by making a compensatory rotation of the platen.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for sensing a paper low condition for fan-folded tickets in a ticket printer. An aperture is provided in a bottom portion of a paper tray which supports a stack of fan-folded tickets. The aperture may be positioned underneath an end of the ticket stack. A reflective sensor is positioned underneath the aperture. Light from the reflective sensor is reflected off a bottom ticket of the ticket stack and back to the sensor when the bottom ticket covers the aperture, indicating the presence of the tickets in the paper tray. A paper low condition may be sensed when enough tickets are printed such that the end of the ticket stack is lifted off the bottom portion of the paper tray and away from the aperture such that light is not reflected back to the sensor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for suggesting upgrades in response to printer errors. In one embodiment, a printer contains an error detecting device and an embedded Web server in communication with a global computer network. If printer errors are detected, error messages are generated. Each error message is conveyed through the embedded Web server to an external computer. The external computer may receive error information conveyed by a large number of printers, which can optionally be monitored and analyzed. Information on a selection of printer upgrades is maintained in a memory of the external computer. The external computer compares each error message received to this selection, if an upgrade corresponding to an error message is available, the system conveys a message detailing the availability of the upgrade.

Abstract: A part of the insertion platform 3′ to send the sheets in which the image receiving sheet on which the image is formed, and the transfer sheet onto which the image is to be transferred, are superimposed, to the heat roller pair to heat and press the sheets, in the image transfer apparatus is structured by the member 2G having a function to transmit the light from the lower side. The light transmission function member is any one of a transparent portion, translucent portion, light diffusion portion, or opening portion, and the light source 2L is arranged on its lower side.

Abstract: To provide a recording-material type determination apparatus and recording-material type determination method which can determine the type of recording material using simple calculations as well as to provide an image forming apparatus capable of obtaining stable image quality independent of the type of recording material using the apparatus and method. Based on data read by a read unit which reads surface images of recording material, a first calculation unit calculates the depth of irregularities in the surface of recording material and stores the results of calculation in a register A while a second calculation unit calculates the spacing of irregularities on the surface of the recording material and stores the results of calculation in a register B. Based on the values in the registers A and B, the type of recording material such as gloss paper, plain paper, rough paper or OHT is determined.

Abstract: A method for determining a mismatch involving the availability of a dye donor supply and a dye receiver supply in a thermal printer when a particular print size and print quantity are selected, comprises: comparing a remaining number of similar-size donor patches available on the dye donor supply with a remaining number of like-size donor patches required for the selected print size and print quantity, and should the former number be less than the latter number providing a warning; and comparing a remaining length of dye receiver available on the dye receiver supply with a remaining length of dye receiver required for the selected print size and print quantity, and should the former length be less than the latter length providing a warning.

Abstract: A roll-paper printing system comprises carry-amount detecting means, recording means, and updating means. The carry-amount detecting means detects a carried amount of the roll paper; the recording means records amount information regarding an amount of the roll paper; and the updating means makes the amount information be recorded on the recording means based on the carried amount detected by the carry-amount detecting means. The updating means makes the amount information be recorded on the recording means when a physical process for indicating a break in roll-paper usage is conducted to the roll paper.

Abstract: A print engine (10) having a maximum physical sheet capacity (MAX_C), and being operable at an operational sheet capacity (OP_C) equal to or less than the maximum physical sheet capacity, includes a marking device (12) which applies marks to sheets of media supplied thereto and outputs the same. A feeding device (14) supplies the sheets to the marking device (12), and a finishing device (16) receives the sheets from the marking device (12). Also included is a user interface (18). The user interface (18) has an indicator (100) which communicates to an operator of the print engine (10): the maximum physical sheet capacity of the print engine (10); the operational sheet capacity at which the print engine (10) is currently operating; and, a measurement of actual sheets which are at least one of contained in or received in a support device of the print engine (10), wherein the support device is the feeding device (14) or the finishing device (16).

Abstract: A print engine (10) having a maximum physical sheet capacity (MAX_C), and being operable at an operational sheet capacity (OP_C) equal to or less than the maximum physical sheet capacity, includes a marking device (12) which applies marks to sheets of media supplied thereto and outputs the same. A feeding device (14) supplies the sheets to the marking device (12), and a finishing device (16) receives the sheets from the marking device (12). Also included is a user interface (18). The user interface (18) has an indicator (100) which communicates to an operator of the print engine (10): the maximum physical sheet capacity of the print engine (10); the operational sheet capacity at which the print engine (10) is currently operating; and, a measurement of actual sheets which are at least one of contained in or received in a support device of the print engine (10), wherein the support device is the feeding device (14) or the finishing device (16).

Abstract: A keyboard assembly includes a wireless USB (Universal Serial Bus) based keyboard having an upper face on which push buttons are movably mounted. A recess is defined in the upper face of the keyboard. A display is sized to be received in the recess. The display may be fixed in the recess. Alternately, the display is pivoted to the keyboard and movable between an erected position for user's observation and a stowed position where the display is received in the recess. The keyboard and the display are controlled by a common USB interface control circuit thereby enabling the keyboard to receive and display video signals without additional circuit.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for adjusting and maintaining printhead-to-platen spacing in a printing device, wherein the printing device includes a printhead-carrying carriage and the carriage is pivotally mounted on and reciprocally shiftable along a guide shaft. An anti-rotation rail mounted on a hanger in the printer engages the carriage and determines its position relative to the printer's platen. A clamp structure is connected to the anti-rotation rail and extends through the hanger and is operable for clamping the anti-rotation rail to the hanger. An adjuster mechanism connected to the clamp structure is operable for selectively shifting the anti-rotation rail vertically upwardly or downwardly to position and maintain the carriage, and correspondingly, the printhead a preselected, nominal distance from the platen.

Abstract: A print head is provided in a casing of a printing apparatus having a housing section which houses continuous paper therein, to perform printing on the continuous paper. A platen roller has a platen shaft rotatably supported on a cover of the printing apparatus which is pivotably supported on the casing to open or close the housing section. The platen roller being abutted against the print head through the continuous paper situated therebetween and rotating to feed the continuous paper, when the cover is closed. A head support member is disposed in the casing and has a head shaft which pivotably supports the print head so as to vary a distance with respect to the platen roller. A lock lever is pivotable about the platen shaft. The lock lever is engaged with the head shaft to determine a position of the platen roller with respect to the print head when the cover is closed.

Abstract: Recording paper fed from a paper feed section comes in contact with a paper detection member of a detector unit and the paper detection member is rotated about a first fulcrum, shading the optical axis of an optical sensor. When the recording paper passes through and the paper detection member is brought out of contact with the recording paper, the paper detection member is restored to the former position and does not shade the optical axis. A carriage/cartridge detection member of the detector unit comes in contact with a carriage engagement part and a cartridge engagement part placed in a carriage and is rotated about a second fulcrum, shading the optical axis of the optical sensor. When the carriage/cartridge detection member is brought out of contact with the engagement parts, the carriage/cartridge detection member is restored to the former position and does not shade the optical axis.

Abstract: A removable cartridge with sheets that are to be removed from the cartridge and used by an apparatus comprising a housing for containing the sheets which are to be sequentially used by the apparatus when the cartridge is inserted into the apparatus, means provided in the housing for permitting sheets to be fed by the apparatus from the cartridge, a display provided on the housing which is viewable by a user when the cartridge is removed from the apparatus to indicate the number of sheets remaining in the cartridge. The display comprises a plurality of selectable digit elements each of which corresponds to a particular number, each selectable digit element containing cholesteric liquid crystals when selectively activated indicate a number that corresponds to the number of sheets remaining in the cartridge, and provide a measurable parameter.

Abstract: A printer for printing on a first medium in the form of a continuous band or on a second medium in the form of a sheet, in a print zone of the printer, is provided. The printer comprising a movable cover giving access to the print zone for loading said second media, a hold down system for holding said second media in position before and during printing, a first sensor to detect opening of the cover linked to said hold down system, storage means for storing said first medium, a feeder for moving said first medium from the storage means to the print zone, wherein when the cover is opened by a user of the printer the sensor activates the hold down system to accept said second medium without any further action by said user. The printer may have a second sensor for activating the feeder to withdraw the first medium from a ready to print position to a standby position while simultaneously moving the second medium through the print zone.

Abstract: A multi-purpose, transmissive paper sensor includes a light beam projector and light detector having an analog output signal. Changes in the output signal from an open loop condition indicate the presences of at least one print medium being in the field-of-view of the sensor. Output signals indicative of print media leading edge, trailing edge, and number of sheets interrupting the light beam provide improved print media transport control for hard copy apparatus.

Abstract: This printing apparatus is provided having a regular status data generating circuit for regularly generating status data. An automatic status selection and transmission circuit selects the status condition to be transmitted by the automatic status transmission operation, and a status data comparator compares the status data. By executing the automatic status selection and transmission command, the status is thereafter transmitted each time the selected status changes.

Abstract: A space for housing an optical sensor is formed between a detection gear of a drive transfer gear and a frame for supporting the detection gear. A detected part shaped like comb teeth is formed integrally on inner walls of the detection gear. The optical sensor is placed so that the detected part passes through a space between a photo emitter and a photo receptor of the optical sensor. Since the detection gear and the frame protect the optical sensor from stray light and interfering substances such as paper powder, or the like, a high-reliability, small-sized detection mechanism can be provided.

Abstract: A typing aid comprising a keyboard and an auxiliary or integrated display screen deployed in close proximity to or within the keyboard, designed to assist the non-touch typist to enter text data into a computing device with a minimum of or no head and neck movements between keyboard and display screen. Also provided is a method of entering text data into a computing device using the typing aid and a means for allowing the auxiliary display screen to follow the current cursor position for document editing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a media weight sensor of the type that includes a transducer consisting of a metal desk with a piezoelectric element fabricated by one side which form the back of a Helmholtz resonator cavity mounted in a printer so that the media going to the printer moves across the top of the Helmholtz resonator where an opening of the resonator is located. A soft, polymeric roller is used to press for media and is the transducer. The resonant frequency of the Helmholtz is affected by the media. The mass of the media adds to the mass of the resonator, thereby lowering the resonant frequency. Consequently, the heavier than media, the more the resonant frequency is lowered.

Abstract: A method of detecting the amount of remaining sheets of paper in a paper feeding cassette of a printing apparatus, wherein the printing apparatus receives a paper feeding cassette having a knock-up plate on which paper is placed, and which pivots as paper is removed therefrom, a pickup roller installed in the printing apparatus which elastically moves up and down within a predetermined range to contact the paper, the pickup roller being made to rotate in close contact with the paper to sequentially feed the paper into the printing apparatus, a lifting mechanism which lifts the knock-up plate step by step according to the consumption of paper, thereby placing the loaded paper against the pickup-roller, calculating a difference in the number of operations of the lifting mechanism for lifting the knock-up plate toward the pickup roller when a maximum number of sheets of paper is loaded into the paper feeding cassette and when only a single sheet of paper is placed in the paper feeding cassette, calculating an am

Abstract: A recyclable, one-time use print on demand, digital camera comprises an image sensor device for sensing an image. A processor processes the image sensed by the image sensor device. The camera includes a supply of print media on to which an image processed by the processor is printed. A printhead is provided for printing said sensed image on the print media. An indicator for indicating usage of the camera is arranged within a housing of the camera. A separating device separates a part of the print media on to which an image has been printed from a remainder of the supply of print media. The separating device acts on the indicator for changing the indication of usage as part of the operation of separating the part of the print media from the remainder of the supply of the print media.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inkjet recording apparatus and a method of detecting a remaining amount of ink capable of detecting an amount of ink remaining in an ink tank without the need of a special mechanism and part in an inkjet recording apparatus for recording an image by mounting the ink tank and a recording head on a carriage and scanning the carriage. The position where the carriage stops is detected by an encoder by moving the carriage by driving a motor and stopping the drive of the motor after the carriage constantly moves at a predetermined speed. The amount of ink remaining in the ink tank mounted on the carriage is determined based on the moving distance of the carriage from the time the drive of the motor is stopped to the time the carriage moved by inertia stops.

Abstract: This invention relates to a media weight sensor of the type that includes a transducer consisting of a metal disk with a piezoelectric element mounted in a printer so that the media going to the printer moves across the top of the resonator where an opening of the resonator is located. A soft, polymeric roller is used to press the media against the transducer. The resonant frequency of the resonator is affected by the media. The mass of the media adds to the mass of the resonator, thereby lowering the resonant frequency. Consequently, the heavier the media, the more the resonant frequency is lowered.

Abstract: A media sensor system includes a light source directing light towards media stock, a photo-detector positioned to detect light reflected from the media stock and a photo-detector positioned to detect light passing through the media stock. The light source and photo-detectors may be positioned in a media stock guide. The energization level of the light source and the photo-detector monitored may be set according to a media type being used.

Abstract: Systems and methods for conveying printer status information to a user are provided. One or more moving light sources are selectively illuminated to convey printer status information to the user and to attract the user's attention. Different illumination states correspond to different printer status and configuration information. The light source may be part of an optical sensor. In this manner, the light source may have dual functions: (1) to illuminate the print media during a calibration operation performed by the optical sensor; and (2) to selectively illuminate during a printing operation to convey printer status information to the user.

Abstract: A multi-purpose, transmissive paper sensor includes a light beam projector and light detector having an analog output signal. Changes in the output signal from an open loop condition indicate the presences of at least one print medium being in the field-of-view of the sensor. Output signals indicative of print media leading edge, trailing edge, and number of sheets interrupting the light beam provide improved print media transport control for hard copy apparatus.

Abstract: A method for reducing cyclic print errors. Applicants discovered that the cause of certain cyclic print errors was inconsistent (i.e., unequal) line spacing on the linear encoder strip used by the printer to track the position of the print head. Such inconsistent line spacing was caused by the inability of the device which makes/prints linear encoder strips to consistently match the ideal consistent line spacing desired and expected by the printer. Applicants found that such cyclic print errors were eliminated by choosing, obtaining, and installing a linear encoder strip having a consistent line spacing within the resolution capabilities of the device and, in one example, closest to the ideal consistent line spacing.

Abstract: Method and apparatus of identifying ink stored in an ink-jet cartridge are to change the electrical property such as resistance or capacitance of the ink and to cooperate with a detector to achieve the goal of identifying ink. The method comprises: adding special additive such as salt additive or acid additive into the ink or changing the ratio of the components in the ink, and further providing a detector for detecting the electrical property of the ink and doing logical judgment to identify whether the ink stored in the ink-jet cartridge is the original factory ink or not. The preferred embodiment of the apparatus of identifying ink in ink-jet cartridge is to form the detector on the IC of the print head directly to achieve the goal stating above of detecting the electrical property of the ink stored in the ink-jet cartridge.

Abstract: A tool and a method for adjusting a space between a printhead in a print cartridge and a platen in an ink jet printer are disclosed. The shape of the tool mimics the shape of a print cartridge. The tool is inserted into an aperture in a carriage in place of the print cartridge whose printhead is the closest to the platen, or, if all of the printheads are equally close to the platen, then the tool may be inserted in place of any of the print cartridges. The tool includes a thin flexible member that extends toward the platen. The length of the member is such that, when the tool is properly inserted into the aperture and contacts the platen, then the printhead to platen spacing at that point on the platen would be just equal to a minimum acceptable spacing between a printhead in the same aperture and the platen.

Abstract: A printer media supply spool adapted to allow the printer to sense type of media, and method of assembling same. The supply spool comprises a shaft having a supply of media ribbon wound thereabout. A transceiver unit is disposed proximate the shaft. The transceiver is capable of transmitting a first electromagnetic field and sensing a second electromagnetic field. A transponder including a semi-conductor chip is integrally connected to the shaft and has encoded data stored in the chip indicative of the type of media ribbon. The chip is capable of receiving the first electromagnetic field to power the chip and then generating the second electromagnetic field as the chip is powered. The second electromagnetic field is characteristic of the data stored in the chip. The transceiver unit senses the second electromagnetic field, which second electromagnetic field has the data subsumed therein.

Abstract: A portable printer comprising a door pivotally coupled to a main body of the portable printer at a back end, a printing medium roller support rotatably mounted on the door of the portable printer, a platen rotatably positioned at a front end of the door, a door locking mechanism having a pair of door locking latches respectively positioned at opposite ends of the platen, a roller movably and rotatably coupled to the door locking mechanism and positioned parallel to the platen, a pair of levers movably coupled to the door locking mechanism for pressing the roller against the platen when the door is closed to the main body, a support frame positioned within the main body, a print head pivotally coupled to the support frame, a pair of coil springs coupled between the print head and the support frame such that the print head is essentially floating against the support frame, a body locking mechanism having a pair of body locking latches for latching with respective door locking latches, a gear system coupled to t

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for detecting error in loading print media in a printing device are disclosed. An apparatus embodiment includes a width adjuster position sensor that determines a position of a print medium width adjuster, a width sensor that measures a width of a print medium, and a computing device that compares the width adjuster position with the print medium width, and verifies that the width adjuster is properly positioned for the print medium width. Another embodiment includes a length adjuster position sensor that determines a position of a print medium length adjuster, a length sensor that measures a length of the print medium, and a computing device that compares the length adjuster position with the print medium length, and verifies that the length adjuster is properly positioned for the print medium length.

Abstract: A print media level sensor and method for determining a height of a stack of print media for use in printing devices are disclosed. An embodiment of a print media level sensor includes a print media stack follower configured to contact a top of a stack of print media and remain in contact with the top as a height of the stack changes. The print media stack follower also includes encoded data representative of a plurality of heights of the stack of print media. The print media level sensor additionally includes a decoder configured to read encoded data on the print media stack follower and output a signal representative of the encoded data. The print media stack follower may further include a computing device that receives the signal representative of the encoded data from the computing device and converts the signal representative of the encoded data into a signal representative of the stack height.

Abstract: To provide a recording-material type determination apparatus and recording-material type determination method which can determine the type of recording material using simple calculations as well as to provide an image forming apparatus capable of obtaining stable image quality independent of the type of recording material using the apparatus and method. Based on data read by a read unit which reads surface images of recording material, a first calculation unit calculates the depth of irregularities in the surface of recording material and stores the results of calculation in a register A while a second calculation unit calculates the spacing of irregularities on the surface of the recording material and stores the results of calculation in a register B. Based on the values in the registers A and B, the type of recording material such as gloss paper, plain paper, rough paper or OHT is determined.

Abstract: To provide a recording-material type determination apparatus and recording-material type determination method which can determine the type of recording material using simple calculations as well as to provide an image forming apparatus capable of obtaining stable image quality independent of the type of recording material using the apparatus and method. Based on data read by a read unit which reads surface images of recording material, a first calculation unit calculates the depth of irregularities in the surface of recording material and stores the results of calculation in a register A while a second calculation unit calculates the spacing of irregularities on the surface of the recording material and stores the results of calculation in a register B. Based on the values in the registers A and B, the type of recording material such as gloss paper, plain paper, rough paper or OHT is determined.