U.S. patent application number 14/920040 was filed with the patent office on 2017-04-27 for print media management.
This patent application is currently assigned to Elwha LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Elwha LLC. Invention is credited to Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare.
Application Number | 20170113888 14/920040 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58562402 |
Filed Date | 2017-04-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170113888 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hyde; Roderick A. ; et
al. |
April 27, 2017 |
PRINT MEDIA MANAGEMENT
Abstract
Described embodiments include a system and method. A print sheet
media management system includes a feeder apparatus configured to
transfer a sheet from a stack of printable sheet media to a print
engine. The system includes a weight sensor configured to sense a
weight of the stack of printable sheet media. The system includes
an evaluation circuit configured to estimate the number of sheets
in the stack of printable sheet media in response to (i) a sensed
weight of the stack of printable sheet media before a sheet of the
stack of printable sheet media is transferred and (ii) a sensed
weight of the stack of printable sheet media after the sheet of
printable sheet media is transferred. The system includes a
communications circuit configured to transmit data indicative of
the estimated number of printable sheets in the stack of printable
sheet media.
Inventors: |
Hyde; Roderick A.; (Redmond,
WA) ; Kare; Jordin T.; (San Jose, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Elwha LLC |
Bellevue |
WA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Elwha LLC
|
Family ID: |
58562402 |
Appl. No.: |
14/920040 |
Filed: |
October 22, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 2511/152 20130101;
B65H 1/04 20130101; B65H 2511/13 20130101; B65H 2511/13 20130101;
B65H 2511/411 20130101; B65H 7/20 20130101; G03G 15/6508 20130101;
B65H 2511/152 20130101; B65H 2553/40 20130101; B65H 2511/414
20130101; B65H 2511/30 20130101; G03G 2215/00725 20130101; B65H
2511/30 20130101; B65H 7/02 20130101; B65H 2301/21 20130101; B65H
2220/01 20130101; B65H 2551/27 20130101; B65H 2220/01 20130101;
B65H 2220/01 20130101; B65H 2220/02 20130101; B65H 2220/03
20130101; B65H 2511/414 20130101; B65H 3/44 20130101; B65H 2515/10
20130101; G03G 2215/00742 20130101; B65H 2515/10 20130101; G03G
2215/00729 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65H 1/20 20060101
B65H001/20; B65H 1/04 20060101 B65H001/04 |
Claims
1. A print sheet media management system, the system comprising: a
feeder apparatus configured to transfer a sheet from a stack of
printable sheet media to a print engine; a weight sensor configured
to sense a weight of the stack of printable sheet media carried by
a media tray; an evaluation circuit configured to estimate the
number of sheets in the stack of printable sheet media in response
to (i) a sensed weight of the stack of printable sheet media
carried by the media tray before a sheet of the stack of printable
sheet media is transferred from the media tray to the print engine
and (ii) a sensed weight of the stack of printable sheet media
carried by the media tray after the sheet of printable sheet media
is transferred from the media tray to the print engine; and a
communications circuit configured to transmit data indicative of
the estimated number of printable sheets in the stack of printable
sheet media.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the sheet transferred from the
media tray to the print engine is one sheet.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the sheet transferred from the
media tray to the print engine includes at least two sheets.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the sheet transferred from the
media tray to the print engine includes at least five sheets.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the sheet transferred from the
media tray to the print engine includes at least ten sheets.
6. The system of claim 1, further comprising: the media tray
configured to carry the stack of printable sheet media.
7. The system of claim 1, further comprising: the print engine.
8. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a receiver circuit
configured to electronically receive from a remote machine a job
request for production of an image on a sheet of printable media
from the stack of printable sheet media carried by the media
tray.
9. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a display device
configured to provide a human perceivable representation of the
data indicative of the estimated number of printable sheets in the
stack of printable sheet media.
10. A method comprising: electronically receiving from a remote
machine a job request for production of an image on printable sheet
media; sensing a weight of a stack of printable sheet media carried
by a media tray before a sheet of printable sheet media is
transferred from the media tray to a print engine; transferring the
sheet of printable sheet media from the stack of printable sheet
media carried by the media tray to the print engine; sensing a
weight of a stack of printable sheet media carried by a media tray
after the sheet of printable sheet media is transferred from the
media tray to the print engine; estimating the number of sheets in
the stack of printable sheet media in response to (i) a sensed
weight of the stack of printable sheet media carried by the media
tray before a sheet of the stack of printable sheet media is
transferred from the media tray to the print engine and (ii) a
sensed weight of the stack of printable sheet media carried by the
media tray after the sheet of printable sheet media is transferred
from the media tray to the print engine; and electronically
transmitting to the remote machine data indicative of the estimated
number of printable sheets in the stack of printable sheet
media.
11. A print sheet media management system, the system comprising: a
sensor configured to sense at least two types of printable sheet
media present in a stack of printable sheet media carried by a
media tray; a receiver circuit configured to receive a job request
for production of an image by a print engine on a selected type of
printable sheet media; an evaluation circuit configured to
determine in response to the sensed at least two types of printable
sheet media present in the stack of printable sheet media if a next
sheet in the stack of printable sheet media to be transferred to
the print engine is the selected type of printable sheet media; and
a communications circuit configured to transmit data indicating if
the job request for production of an image on the selected type of
printable sheet media can be fulfilled from the stack of printable
sheet media.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the sensor includes an imaging
sensor configured to sense at least two colors of printable sheet
media present in a stack of printable sheet media carried by the
media tray.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the sensor includes a
1-dimensional or 2-dimensional imaging sensor.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein the sensor includes a color
imaging sensor.
15. The system of claim 12, wherein the sensor includes a grayscale
imaging sensor.
16. The system of claim 12, wherein the evaluation circuit is
configured to determine in response to a sensed at least two colors
of sheet media present in the stack of printable sheet media if a
next sheet in the stack of printable sheet media to be transferred
to the print engine is the color of printable sheet media selected
by the job request.
17. The system of claim 12, wherein the evaluation circuit is
configured to determine in response to a sensed at least two types
of sheet media present in the stack of printable sheet media if
there are enough sheets of the selected color in the next sheets of
the stack of printable sheet media to be transferred to the print
engine to complete the job request.
18. The system of claim 11, wherein the sensor includes a
mechanically-scanned photo sensor.
19. The system of claim 11, further comprising another sensor
configured to sense an opening of the media tray or a removal of
the media tray from an imaging device that includes the system.
20. The system of claim 11, wherein the sensor is further
configured to sense an addition of printable sheet media to the
stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray.
21. The system of claim 11, wherein the sensor is further
configured to sense a removal of printable sheet media from the
stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray.
22. The system of claim 11, wherein the sensor is further
configured to store data indicative of a thicknesses of
previously-sensed types of printable sheet media and assume a
thickness for newly-loaded printable sheet media based on matching
a color, approximate thickness, and/or other optical
characteristics of previously sensed printable sheet media (to
enable accurate paper-supply count even for a small number of
sheets).
23. The system of claim 11, wherein the evaluation circuit is
further configured to estimate (i) a number of a first type of
printable sheet media present in the stack of printable sheet media
carried by a media tray and (ii) a number of a second type of
printable sheet media present in the stack of printable sheet media
carried by the media tray.
24. The system of claim 23, wherein the evaluation circuit is
configured to determine in response to the estimated number of the
first type of printable sheet media present if there is sufficient
sheet media of the selected type of printable sheet media to fulfil
the job request.
25. The system of claim 24, wherein the evaluation circuit is
configured to determine if the next sheets in the stack of
printable sheet media to be transferred to the print engine are of
the selected type of printable sheet media and sufficient in a
number to complete the job request.
26. The system of claim 11, further comprising: a feeder apparatus
configured to transfer a sheet from the stack of printable sheet
media carried by the media tray to the print engine.
27. The system of claim 26, wherein the feeder apparatus is further
configured to bring the selected type of printable sheet media into
a next-to-be-transferred-position in the stack of printable sheet
media carried by the media tray.
28. The system of claim 11, wherein the receiver is configured to
receive the job request from a remote machine.
29. The system of claim 28, wherein the communications circuit
includes a communications circuit configured to electronically
transmit to the remote machine data indicating if the job request
for production of an image on the selected type of printable sheet
media can be fulfilled from the stack of printable sheet media.
30. The system of claim 11, further comprising: a media tray
configured to carry the stack of printable sheet media.
31. The system of claim 11, further comprising: a display device
configured to provide a human perceivable representation of the
data indicating if the job request for production of an image on
the selected type of printable sheet media can be fulfilled from
the stack of printable sheet media.
32. A method comprising: sensing at least two types of printable
sheet media present in a stack of printable sheet media carried by
a media tray; receiving a job request from a remote machine for
production of an image by a print engine on a selected type of
printable sheet media; determining in response to the sensed at
least two types of sheet media present in the stack of printable
sheet media if a next sheet in the stack of printable sheet media
to be transferred to the print engine is the selected type of
printable sheet media; and electronically transmitting to the
remote machine data indicating if the job request for production of
an image on the selected type of printable sheet media can be
fulfilled from the stack of printable sheet media.
Description
[0001] If an Application Data Sheet (ADS) has been filed on the
filing date of this application, it is incorporated by reference
herein. Any applications claimed on the ADS for priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn..sctn.119, 120, 121, or 365(c), and any and all
parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of such
applications, are also incorporated by reference, including any
priority claims made in those applications and any material
incorporated by reference, to the extent such subject matter is not
inconsistent herewith.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] The present application claims the benefit of the earliest
available effective filing date(s) from the following listed
application(s) (the "Priority Applications"), if any, listed below
(e.g., claims earliest available priority dates for other than
provisional patent applications or claims benefits under 35 USC
.sctn.119(e) for provisional patent applications, for any and all
parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the
Priority Application(s)). In addition, the present application is
related to the "Related Applications," if any, listed below.
PRIORITY APPLICATIONS
[0003] None.
[0004] If the listings of applications provided above are
inconsistent with the listings provided via an ADS, it is the
intent of the Applicant to claim priority to each application that
appears in the Priority Applications section of the ADS and to each
application that appears in the Priority Applications section of
this application.
[0005] All subject matter of the Priority Applications and the
Related Applications and of any and all parent, grandparent,
great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Priority Applications
and the Related Applications, including any priority claims, is
incorporated herein by reference to the extent such subject matter
is not inconsistent herewith.
SUMMARY
[0006] For example, and without limitation, an embodiment of the
subject matter described herein includes a print sheet media
management system. The system includes a feeder apparatus
configured to transfer a sheet from a stack of printable sheet
media to a print engine. The system includes a weight sensor
configured to sense a weight of the stack of printable sheet media
carried by a media tray. The system includes an evaluation circuit
configured to estimate the number of sheets in the stack of
printable sheet media in response to (i) a sensed weight of the
stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray before a
sheet of the stack of printable sheet media is transferred from the
media tray to the print engine and (ii) a sensed weight of the
stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray after the
sheet of printable sheet media is transferred from the media tray
to the print engine. The system includes a communications circuit
configured to transmit data indicative of the estimated number of
printable sheets in the stack of printable sheet media.
[0007] In an embodiment, the print sheet media management system
includes the media tray configured to carry the stack of printable
sheet media. In an embodiment, the system includes the print
engine. In an embodiment, the system includes a receiver circuit
configured to electronically receive from a remote machine a job
request for production of an image on a sheet of printable media
from the stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray.
In an embodiment, the system includes a display device configured
to provide a human perceivable representation of the data
indicative of the estimated number of printable sheets in the stack
of printable sheet media.
[0008] For example, and without limitation, an embodiment of the
subject matter described herein includes a method. The method
includes electronically receiving from a remote machine a job
request for production of an image on printable sheet media. The
method includes sensing a weight of a stack of printable sheet
media carried by a media tray before a sheet of printable sheet
media is transferred from the media tray to a print engine. The
method includes transferring the sheet of printable sheet media
from the stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray
to the print engine. The method includes sensing a weight of a
stack of printable sheet media carried by a media tray after the
sheet of printable sheet media is transferred from the media tray
to the print engine. The method includes estimating the number of
sheets in the stack of printable sheet media in response to (i) a
sensed weight of the stack of printable sheet media carried by the
media tray before a sheet of the stack of printable sheet media is
transferred from the media tray to the print engine and (ii) a
sensed weight of the stack of printable sheet media carried by the
media tray after the sheet of printable sheet media is transferred
from the media tray to the print engine. The method includes
electronically transmitting to the remote machine data indicative
of the estimated number of printable sheets in the stack of
printable sheet media.
[0009] For example, and without limitation, an embodiment of the
subject matter described herein includes a print sheet media
management system. The system includes a sensor configured to sense
at least two types of printable sheet media present in a stack of
printable sheet media carried by a media tray. The system includes
a receiver circuit configured to receive a job request for
production of an image by a print engine on a selected type of
printable sheet media. The system includes an evaluation circuit
configured to determine in response to the sensed at least two
types of printable sheet media present in the stack of printable
sheet media if a next sheet in the stack of printable sheet media
to be transferred to the print engine is the selected type of
printable sheet media. The system includes a communications circuit
configured to transmit data indicating if the job request for
production of an image on the selected type of printable sheet
media can be fulfilled from the stack of printable sheet media.
[0010] In an embodiment, the system includes another sensor
configured to sense an opening of the media tray or a removal of
the media tray from an imaging device that includes the system.
[0011] In an embodiment, the system includes a feeder apparatus
configured to transfer a sheet from the stack of printable sheet
media carried by the media tray to the print engine. In an
embodiment, the system includes a media tray configured to carry
the stack of printable sheet media. In an embodiment, the system
includes a display device configured to provide a human perceivable
representation of the data indicating if the job request for
production of an image on the selected type of printable sheet
media can be fulfilled from the stack of printable sheet media.
[0012] For example, and without limitation, an embodiment of the
subject matter described herein includes a method. The method
includes sensing at least two types of printable sheet media
present in a stack of printable sheet media carried by a media
tray. The method includes receiving a job request from a remote
machine for production of an image by a print engine on a selected
type of printable sheet media. The method includes determining in
response to the sensed at least two types of sheet media present in
the stack of printable sheet media if a next sheet in the stack of
printable sheet media to be transferred to the print engine is the
selected type of printable sheet media. The method includes
electronically transmitting to the remote machine data indicating
if the job request for production of an image on the selected type
of printable sheet media can be fulfilled from the stack of
printable sheet media.
[0013] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not
intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative
aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further
aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by
reference to the drawings and the following detailed
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an image production system 30;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a system block diagram illustrating one exemplary
embodiment of the image production system 30 of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram of an image production system
100;
[0017] FIG. 4 is an exemplary block diagram of the image production
system 100;
[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates an example environment 300 that includes
a print sheet media management system 305;
[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates an example operational flow 400;
[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates an example environment 500 that includes
a print sheet media management system 505;
[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates an example operational flow 600;
[0022] FIG. 9 illustrates an environment 700 that includes an
example print sheet media management system 705; and
[0023] FIG. 10 illustrates an example operational flow 800.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof In the
drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components,
unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments
described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not
meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other
changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of
the subject matter presented here.
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0025] This application makes reference to technologies described
more fully in United States patent application No. To Be Assigned,
entitled INFORMATIVE PRINTERS, naming Roderick A. Hyde et al. as
inventors, filed Oct. 22, 2015, is related to the present
application. That application is incorporated by reference herein,
including any subject matter included by reference in that
application.
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates an image production system 30. Image
production system 30 includes a print sheet media management system
32 for identifying media stack characteristics (e.g., number of
sheets, sheet thickness, etc.). The media stack characteristics may
be used to determine imaging system settings, identification of
media types, and media quality needed for a print job.
[0027] In an embodiment, the image production system 30 is a laser
printer that employs an electro photographic drum imaging system,
as known in the art. However, as will be obvious to those of
ordinary skill in the art, the system is similarly applicable to
other types of printers and/or imaging devices that employ
printable sheet media including, for example, inkjet printers,
facsimile machines, copiers, or the like.
[0028] In one embodiment, image production system 30 includes a
media tray or holder (hereafter referred to in conjunction with
FIGS. 1 & 2 as "media holder" 34) which holds a stack of
printable sheet media 36. In an embodiment, the print sheet media
management system 32 is positioned immediately adjacent to the
stack of printable sheet media 36, and may be positioned within
media holder 34 or outside of media holder 34. In one aspect,
imaging production system 30 further includes a feed roller 37, a
pair of transport rollers 38, paper guides 40 and 42, registration
rollers 44, toner cartridge 50 having a photoconductive drum 52,
transfer roller 54, fuser rollers 58 and output bin 60, all
associated with housing 62. In operation, feed roller 37 picks a
top sheet 64 from stack of printable sheet media 36 in media holder
34 and advances it to the pair of transport rollers 38. Transport
rollers 38 further advance sheet 64 through paper guides 40 and 42
toward registration rollers 44. Registration rollers 44 advance
paper 64 to photoconductive drum 52 (of toner cartridge 50) and
transfer roller 54 where toner is applied as conventional in the
art. Sheet 64 then moves through heated fuser rollers 58 and toward
output bin 60.
[0029] Print sheet media management system 32 is positioned
adjacent to sheet media stack 36 in media holder 34. Print sheet
media management system 32 operates to sense and detect media stack
characteristics, such as the number of sheets in media stack 36 and
sheet thickness. These media stack characteristics are used by
imaging production system 30 to determine sheet availability for
print jobs, media types, and adjustment of the imaging system
printing settings. An exemplary embodiment of print sheet media
management system 32 is described in detail in this
application.
[0030] FIG. 2 is a system block diagram illustrating one exemplary
embodiment of the image production system 30 of FIG. 1. Imaging
production system 30 includes a control system 68 in communication
with a print engine 70. In one aspect, the control system 68
includes a controller or microprocessor 72, print engine controller
74, read only memory (ROM) 76, random access memory (RAM) 78,
display panel 80, and communications bus 84. Control system 68 for
imaging system 30 communicates with a host (i.e., a host computer
or network) 86 via communications port (i.e., I/O port) 90.
[0031] In one embodiment, imaging system 30 is controlled by
microprocessor 72 which communicates with other elements of the
system via communications bus 84. Print engine controller 74 and
associated print engine 70 connect to communications bus 84 and
provide the print output capability for imaging system 30. Sheet
media is pulled from media holder 34 into print engine 70 and
directed to output and finishing tray or bin 60. Print sheet media
management system 32 is positioned adjacent to the sheet media
stack located within media holder 34 to sense and detect
characteristics of the sheet media stack in media holder 34. In one
aspect, print sheet media management system 32 is used for
determining the number of sheets in media holder 34 and sheet
thickness. Control system 68 utilizes these components for
processing print jobs. In particular, the number of sheets is
utilized by control system 68 to determine whether sufficient
sheets exist in media holder 34 to complete a print job. Sheet
thickness information is utilized by control system 68 to identify
the sheet media type and/or optimized print job settings.
[0032] In one aspect, print sheet media management system 32 is
used for determining the number of sheets in media holder 34 and
sheet thickness. Control system 68 utilizes these components for
processing print jobs. In particular, the number of sheets is
utilized by control system 68 to identify the sheet media type
and/or optimized print job settings. In one aspect, communications
port 90 provides communications between imaging system 30 and host
86, and receives page descriptions (or raster data) from the host
86 for processing within the imaging system 30. RAM 78 provides a
main memory for the imaging system 30 for storing and processing a
print job data stream received from host 86. ROM 76 holds firmware
which controls the operation of control system 68 and imaging
system 30. The code procedures stored in ROM 76 may include a page
converter, rasterizer, compression code, page print scheduler and
print engine manager. The page converter firmware converts a page
description received from the host to a display command and list,
with each display command defining an object to be printed on the
page. The rasterizer firmware converts each display command to an
appropriate bit map (rasterized strip) and distributes the bit map
into memory 78. The compression firmware compresses the rasterized
strips in the event insufficient memory exists in memory 78 for
holding the rasterized strips. The rasterized strips are passed to
print engine 70 by print engine controller 74, thereby enabling the
generation of an image (i.e., text/graphics etc.). The page print
scheduler controls the sequencing and transferring of page strips
to print engine controller 74. The print engine manager controls
the operation of print engine controller 74 and, in turn, print
engine 70.
[0033] ROM 76 further includes a media manager for determining
media characteristics using an output signal from print sheet media
management system 32 including the number of sheet media in media
holder 34 and media sheet thickness and/or media typed. The media
account manager receives media component values of media detected
by system 32. Although in a preferred embodiment, media manager
includes firmware in ROM 76, it is understood that it may also be
embodied as software in RAM 78 or in circuitry (such as an ASIC),
or as a combination of hardware, software and/or firmware.
[0034] FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram of an image production system
100. The image production system 100 may be any system capable of
making image production documents (e.g., printed documents, copies,
etc.) including a copier, a printer, a facsimile device, and a
multi-function device (MFD), for example.
[0035] The image production system 100 may include an image
production section 120, which includes hardware by which image
signals are used to create a desired image, as well as a
stand-alone feeder apparatus 110, which stores and dispenses sheets
on which images are to be printed, and an output section 130, which
may include hardware for stacking, folding, stapling, binding,
etc., prints which are output from the marking engine. If the
printer is also operable as a copier, the printer further includes
a document feeder 140, which operates to convert signals from light
reflected from original hard-copy image into digital signals, which
are in turn processed to create copies with the image production
section 120. The image production system 100 may also include a
local user interface 150 for controlling its operations, although
another source of image data and instructions may include any
number of computers to which the printer is connected via a
network.
[0036] With reference to feeder apparatus 110, the module includes
any number of media trays 160, each of which stores a media stack
170 or print sheets ("media") of a predetermined type (size,
weight, color, coating, transparency, etc.) and includes a feeder
to dispense one of the sheets therein as instructed. Certain types
of media may require special handling in order to be dispensed
properly. For example, heavier or larger media may desirably be
drawn from a media stack 170 by use of an air knife, fluffer,
vacuum grip or other application (not shown in the Figure) of air
pressure toward the top sheet or sheets in a media stack 170.
Certain types of coated media are advantageously drawn from a media
stack 170 by the use of an application of heat, such as by a stream
of hot air (not shown in the Figure). Sheets of media drawn from a
media stack 170 on a selected tray 160 may then be moved to the
image production section 120 to receive one or more images thereon.
Then, the printed sheet is then moved to output section 130, where
it may be collated, stapled, folded, etc., with other media sheets
in manners familiar in the art.
[0037] FIG. 4 is an exemplary block diagram of the image production
system 100. The image production system 100 may include a bus 210,
a processor 220, a memory 230, a read only memory (ROM 240), a
media thickness determination unit 250, a feeder section 110, an
output section 130, a user inter-face 150, a communication
interface 280, an image production section 120, and an imaging
device 295. Bus 210 may permit communication among the components
of the image production system 100.
[0038] Processor 220 may include at least one conventional
processor or microprocessor that interprets and executes
instructions. Memory 230 may be a random access memory (RAM) or
another type of dynamic storage device that stores information and
instructions for execution by processor 220. Memory 230 may also
include a read-only memory (ROM) which may include a conventional
ROM device or another type of static storage device that stores
static information and instructions for processor 220.
[0039] Communication interface 280 may include any mechanism that
facilitates communication via a network. For example, communication
interface 280 may include a modem. Alternatively, communication
interface 280 may include other mechanisms for assisting in
communications with other devices and/or systems.
[0040] ROM 240 may include a conventional ROM device or another
type of static storage device that stores static information and
instructions for processor 220. A storage device may augment the
ROM and may include any type of storage media, such as, for
example, magnetic or optical recording media and its corresponding
drive.
[0041] User interface 150 may include one or more conventional
mechanisms that permit a user to input information to and interact
with the image production unit 100, such as a keyboard, a display,
a mouse, a pen, a voice recognition device, touchpad, buttons,
etc., for example. Output section 130 may include one or more
conventional mechanisms that output image production documents to
the user, including output trays, output paths, finishing section,
etc., for example. The image production section 120 may include an
image printing and/or copying section, a scanner, a fuser, etc.,
for example. The imaging device 295 may provide images of a media
stack for analysis. The imaging device 295 may be any imaging
device that may provide images for analysis, including a
two-dimensional camera or other multi-dimensional camera, for
example.
[0042] The image production system 100 may perform such functions
in response to processor 220 by executing sequences of instructions
contained in a computer-readable medium, such as, for example,
memory 230. Such instructions may be read into memory 230 from
another computer-readable medium, such as a storage device or from
a separate device via communication interface 280.
[0043] FIG. 5 illustrates an example environment 300 that includes
a print sheet media management system 305. The print sheet media
management system includes a thickness sensor 322 configured to
sense a thickness of a sheet 317 transferred from a stack of
printable sheet media 315 to a print engine 390. The system
includes a height sensor 324 configured to sense a height 319 of
the stack of printable sheet media carried by a media tray 310. The
system includes an evaluation circuit 340 configured to estimate
the number of sheets in the stack of printable sheet media in
response to (i) the sensed thickness of the sheet transferred to
the print engine and (ii) the sensed height of the stack of
printable sheet media. In an embodiment, the sensed thickness of
the sheet transferred to the print engine is averaged over a
plurality of transferred sheets. In an embodiment, the sensed
thickness of the sheet transferred to the print engine is averaged
over respective sensed thickness of at least two transferred
sheets. In an embodiment, the estimate of the number of sheets in
the stack is a numerical amount of sheets, such as 15 sheets, 75
sheets, 212 sheets, or the like. The system includes a
communications circuit 350 configured to transmit data indicative
of the estimated number of printable sheets in the stack of
printable sheet media.
[0044] In an embodiment, the thickness sensor 322 is configured to
sense a thickness of the sheet 317 of the stack of printable sheet
media 315 transferred from a media tray 310 to the print engine 390
by a feeder apparatus 330. In an embodiment, the system 305
includes a feeder apparatus configured to transfer a sheet from the
stack of printable sheet media carried by a media tray to the print
engine. In an embodiment, the system includes the media tray
configured to carry the stack of printable sheet media. In an
embodiment, the media tray is configured to hold the stack of
printable sheet media. In an embodiment, the stack of printable
sheet media includes a plurality of sheets of printable sheet
media. In an embodiment, the media tray may be removable or may not
be removable from an image production system that includes the
print engine. In an embodiment, the media tray may be a space or a
surface where the stack of printable sheet media is held.
[0045] In an embodiment, the thickness sensor 322 includes an
optical thickness sensor. In an embodiment, the thickness sensor
includes an optomechanical thickness sensor. In an embodiment, the
thickness sensor includes a mechanical thickness sensor. In an
embodiment, the thickness sensor includes an electromechanical
thickness sensor. In an embodiment, the thickness sensor includes
an electronic thickness sensor. For example, the thickness sensor
may include a displacement sensor. For example, the thickness
sensor may include a linear variable differential transformer, or
capacitive displacement sensor. In an embodiment, the thickness
sensor is configured to sense a separation between a roller and
platen, or between two rollers, as the sheet 317 passes
between.
[0046] In an embodiment, the thickness sensor 322 includes a
1-dimensional or 2-dimensional color imaging sensor. In an
embodiment, the evaluation circuit 340 is further configured to
determine in response to data received from the imaging sensor a
color of the sheet 317 transferred from the stack of printable
sheet media 315 to the print engine. In an embodiment, the
communications circuit 350 is further configured to transmit data
indicative of the determined color of the sheet transferred from a
stack of printable sheet media to a print engine 390. In an
embodiment, the data indicative of the determined color further
includes an indication if a job request for production of an image
on a selected sheet color can be fulfilled from the stack of
printable sheet media. In an embodiment, the data indicative of the
determined further includes an indication if a job request for
production of an image on a selected sheet color cannot be
fulfilled from the stack of printable sheet media. In an
embodiment, the communications circuit 350 is further configured to
electronically transmit data to a remote machine requesting
production of an image on a sheet from the stack of printable sheet
media, the data indicative of the determined color of the sheet
transferred from a stack of printable sheet media to a print
engine. In an embodiment, the remote machine may include a remote
machine 372 that communicates the system 305 over a network 370 and
a communications interface or a network interface 395. In an
embodiment, the remote machine may include a remote computing
device 374 that communicates with the system 305 over the network
370. In an embodiment, the network may be a public or a private
network.
[0047] In an embodiment, the height sensor 324 includes an optical
height sensor. In an embodiment, the height sensor 324 includes an
optomechanical height sensor. In an embodiment, the height sensor
includes a mechanical height sensor. In an embodiment, the height
sensor includes an electromechanical height sensor. In an
embodiment, the height sensor includes an electronic height
sensor.
[0048] In an embodiment, the evaluation circuit 340 includes an
evaluation circuit configured to determine the number of sheets in
the stack of printable sheet media 315 in response to (i) the
sensed thickness of the sheet transferred to the print engine and
(ii) the sensed height 319 of the stack of printable sheet media.
In an embodiment, the evaluation circuit includes an evaluation
circuit configured to estimate the number of sheets in the stack of
printable sheet media after the transfer of the printable sheet in
response to the sensed height of the stack of printable sheet
media. In an embodiment, the height sensor 324 is further
configured to sense an addition of new printable sheet media on top
of an existing stack of printable sheet media carried by the media
tray 310. For example, the sensing of an addition of new printable
sheet media on top of an existing stack of printable sheet media
may be implemented with an additional sensor component, for example
by a micro switch, or a load cell. For example, the sensing of an
addition of new printable sheet media on top of existing stack of
printable sheet media may be implemented with a mechanical "trip"
which can operate if the media tray is completely removed from
image production system. For example, the sensing of an addition of
new printable sheet media on top of existing stack of printable
sheet media may be implemented with a sensor or sensors indicating
whether or not any old printable sheet media is removed from media
tray, plus sensing increase in the height of the stack of printable
sheet media. In an embodiment, the evaluation circuit 340 is
further configured to separately estimate the number of sheets in
the new stack of printable sheet media and the number of sheets in
the existing stack of printable sheet media.
[0049] In an embodiment, the system 305 includes a receiver circuit
360 configured to electronically receive from a remote machine
(372, 374) a job request for production of an image on printable
sheet media. In an embodiment, the communications circuit 350 is
configured to electronically transmit data indicative of the
estimated number of sheets in the stack of printable sheet media
carried by the media tray to a remote machine that transmitted a
job request for production of an image on printable sheet
media.
[0050] In an embodiment, the system 305 includes the print engine
390. In an embodiment, the system includes a display device 380
configured to provide a human perceivable representation of the
data indicative of the estimated number of printable sheets in the
stack of printable sheet media.
[0051] FIGS. 1-5 illustrate aspects of an example image production
system that include the print sheet media management system 305
described in conjunction with FIG. 5. For example, in an embodiment
the print sheet media management system 305 is integrated with
image production system 30 described in conjunction with FIGS. 1
& 2. For example, in an embodiment the print sheet media
management system 305 is integrated with image production system
100 described in conjunction with FIGS. 3 & 4. The print sheet
management system includes the thickness sensor 322 configured to
sense the thickness of a sheet 317 transferred from a stack of
printable sheet media 315 to the print engine 390. The print sheet
media management system includes the height sensor 324 configured
to sense the height 319 of the stack of printable sheet media
carried by a media tray. The print sheet media management system
includes the evaluation circuit 340 configured to estimate the
number of sheets in the stack of printable sheet media in response
to (i) the sensed thickness of the sheet transferred from the stack
of printable sheet media to the print engine and (ii) the sensed
height of the stack of printable sheet media. The print sheet media
management system includes a communications circuit 350 configured
to transmit data indicative of the estimated number of printable
sheets in the stack of printable sheet media. The image production
system includes a print engine. In an embodiment, the print engine
includes the print engine 70 described in conjunction with FIG. 2.
In an embodiment, the print engine includes the print engine 390
described in conjunction with FIG. 5. The image production system
includes a print engine controller. In an embodiment, the print
engine controller includes the print engine controller 74 described
in conjunction with FIG. 2. The image production system includes a
display device configured to provide a human perceivable
representation of the data indicative of the estimated number of
printable sheets in the stack of printable sheet media. In an
embodiment, the display device includes the display panel 80
described in conjunction with FIG. 2. In an embodiment, the display
device includes the display device 380 described in conjunction
with FIG. 5.
[0052] FIG. 6 illustrates an example operational flow 400. After a
start operation, the operational flow includes a reception
operation 410. The reception operation includes electronically
receiving from a remote machine a job request for production of an
image on a printable sheet media. In an embodiment, the reception
operation may be implemented using the receiver circuit 360 to
electronically receive via the network interface 395 from the
remote device 372 or the remote computing device 374 a job request
for production of an image on a printable sheet media as described
in conjunction with FIG. 5. A first detecting operation 420
includes sensing a thickness of a sheet of printable sheet media
transferred from a stack of printable sheet media carried by a
media tray to a print engine. In an embodiment, the first detecting
operation may be implemented by the thickness sensor 322 described
in conjunction with FIG. 5. A second detecting operation 430
includes sensing a height of the stack of printable sheet media
carried by the media tray. In an embodiment, the second detecting
operation may be implemented using the height sensor 324 described
in conjunction with FIG. 5. An evaluation operation 440 includes
estimating the number of sheets in the stack of printable sheet
media in response to (i) the sensed thickness of the sheet
transferred from the media tray to the print engine and (ii) the
sensed height of the stack of printable sheet media. In an
embodiment, the evaluation operation may be implemented using the
evaluation circuit 340 described in conjunction with FIG. 5. A
dissemination operation 450 includes electronically transmitting to
the remote machine data indicative of the estimated number of
sheets in the stack of printable sheet media. In an embodiment, the
dissemination operation may be implemented using the communications
circuit 350 described in conjunction with FIG. 5. The operational
flow includes an end operation.
[0053] In an embodiment, the operational flow 400 includes an
operation transferring a sheet from the stack of printable sheet
media carried by a media tray to the print engine. In an
embodiment, the operational flow includes determining in response
to data received from a color imaging sensor a color of a next
sheet of the stack of printable sheet media to be transferred by
the feeder apparatus to the print engine; and electronically
transmitting to the remote machine data indicative of the
determined color of the next sheet in the stack of printable sheet
media to be transferred by the feeder apparatus to the print
engine. In an embodiment, the operational flow includes
electronically transmitting to the remote machine the data
indicative of (i) the estimated number of printable sheets in the
stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray and (ii)
the determined color of the next sheet of the stack of printable
sheet media to be transferred by the feeder apparatus to the print
engine.
[0054] FIG. 7 illustrates an example environment 500 that includes
a print sheet media management system 505. The print sheet media
management system includes a feeder apparatus 530 configured to
transfer a sheet 517 from a stack of printable sheet media 515
carried by a media tray 510 to a print engine 590. The system
includes a weight sensor 524 configured to sense a weight of the
stack of printable sheet media carried by a media tray. In an
embodiment, the weight sensor includes a load cell. The system
includes an evaluation circuit 540 configured to estimate the
number of sheets in the stack of printable sheet media in response
to (i) a sensed weight of the stack of printable sheet media
carried by the media tray before a sheet of the stack of printable
sheet media is transferred from the media tray to the print engine
and (ii) a sensed weight of the stack of printable sheet media
carried by the media tray after the sheet of printable sheet media
is transferred from the media tray to the print engine. The system
includes a communications circuit 550 configured to transmit data
indicative of the estimated number of printable sheets in the stack
of printable sheet media.
[0055] In an embodiment, the sheet 517 transferred from the media
tray 510 to the print engine 590 is one sheet. In an embodiment,
the sheet transferred from the media tray to the print engine
includes at least two sheets. In an embodiment, the sheet
transferred from the media tray to the print engine includes at
least five sheets. In an embodiment, the sheet transferred from the
media tray to the print engine includes at least ten sheets.
[0056] In an embodiment of the system 505, the media tray 510 is
configured to carry the stack of printable sheet media. In an
embodiment, the system includes the print engine 590. In an
embodiment, the system includes a receiver circuit 560 configured
to electronically receive from a remote machine (572 or 574) a job
request for production of an image on a sheet of printable media
from the stack of printable sheet media 515 carried by the media
tray 510. In an embodiment, the remote machine may include a remote
machine 572 that communicates the system 505 over a network 570
using a communications or a network interface 595. In an
embodiment, the remote machine may include a remote computing
device 574 that communicates with the system 505 over the network
570. In an embodiment, the network may be a public or a private
network. In an embodiment, the network may be a public or a private
network. In an embodiment, the system includes a display device 580
configured to provide a human perceivable representation of the
data indicative of the estimated number of printable sheets in the
stack of printable sheet media.
[0057] FIG. 8 illustrates an example operational flow 600. After a
start operation, the operational flow includes a reception
operation 610. The reception operation includes electronically
receiving from a remote machine a job request for production of an
image on printable sheet media. In an embodiment, the reception
operation may be implemented using the receiver circuit 560 to
electronically receive via the network interface 595 from the
remote device 572 or the remote computing device 574 a job request
for production of an image on printable sheet media as described in
conjunction with FIG. 7. A first detecting operation 620 includes
sensing a weight of a stack of printable sheet media carried by a
media tray before a sheet of printable sheet media is transferred
from the media tray to a print engine. In an embodiment, the
detecting operation may be implemented using the sensor 524
described in conjunction with FIG. 7. A conveying operation 630
includes transferring the sheet of printable sheet media from the
stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray to the
print engine. In an embodiment, the conveying operation may be
implemented using the feeder apparatus 530 described in conjunction
with FIG. 7. A second detecting operation 640 includes sensing a
weight of a stack of printable sheet media carried by a media tray
after the sheet of printable sheet media is transferred from the
media tray to the print engine. In an embodiment, the second
detecting operation may be implemented using the sensor 524
described in conjunction with FIG. 7. An evaluation operation 650
includes estimating the number of sheets in the stack of printable
sheet media in response to (i) a sensed weight of the stack of
printable sheet media carried by the media tray before a sheet of
the stack of printable sheet media is transferred from the media
tray to the print engine and (ii) a sensed weight of the stack of
printable sheet media carried by the media tray after the sheet of
printable sheet media is transferred from the media tray to the
print engine. In an embodiment, the evaluation operation may be
implemented using the evaluation circuit 540 described in
conjunction with FIG. 7. A dissemination operation 660 includes
electronically transmitting to the remote machine data indicative
of the estimated number of printable sheets in the stack of
printable sheet media. In an embodiment, the dissemination
operation may be implemented using the communications circuit 550
described in conjunction with FIG. 7. The operational flow includes
an end operation.
[0058] FIG. 9 illustrates an environment 700 that includes an
example print sheet media management system 705. The print sheet
media management system includes a sensor 724 configured to sense
at least two types of printable sheet media present in a stack of
printable sheet media 715 carried by a media tray 710. For example,
the at least two types of printable sheet media may include a
glossy finish and a matte finish of printable sheet media. For
example, the at least two types of printable sheet media may
include a first weight and a second weight of printable sheet
media. For example, the at least two types of printable sheet media
may include a first color and a second color of printable sheet
media. The print sheet media management system includes a receiver
circuit 760 configured to receive a job request for production of
an image by a print engine 790 on a selected type of printable
sheet media. In an embodiment, the image includes text. In an
embodiment, the image includes a picture or graphic. In an
embodiment, the selected type of print sheet media includes a
selected type of print sheet media selected from at least two types
of printable sheet media. The system includes an evaluation circuit
740 configured to determine in response to the sensed at least two
types of printable sheet media present in the stack of printable
sheet media if a next sheet in the stack of printable sheet media
to be transferred to the print engine is the selected type of
printable sheet media. The system includes a communications circuit
750 configured to transmit data indicating if the job request for
production of an image on the selected type of printable sheet
media can be fulfilled from the stack of printable sheet media. In
an embodiment, the job request includes a specified number of
sheets of the selected type of printable sheet media. For example,
the data may indicate to a local or a remote user if their selected
type of printable sheet media is next to be fed. For example, the
data may include a signal to a human operator present near or at
the print engine to the load selected type of printable sheet media
in the media tray if it is not next to be fed.
[0059] In an embodiment, the sensor 724 includes an imaging sensor
configured to sense at least two colors of printable sheet media
present in a stack of printable sheet media 715 carried by a media
tray 710. For example, in an embodiment the imaging sensor is
configured to distinguish at least two kinds of media that might be
carried by the same media tray. For example, in an embodiment an
imaging sensor can distinguish "white" from "nonwhite." For
example, in an embodiment a fine-resolution imaging sensor can
distinguish "thick" from "thin" even if it can't measure the
thickness. For example, in an embodiment a 2-dimensional imaging
sensor can distinguish a rough ("deckle") edged paper from a
smooth-edged paper in a stack of printable sheet media. For
example, with an appropriate light source and stack arrangement, in
an embodiment a glossy paper can be distinguished from matte-finish
paper in a printable sheet media stack by imaging sensor. For
example, the stack may need to be slanted so that the imaging
sensor can see a bit of the top or bottom of each sheet, or an edge
of each sheet, or distinguish opaque paper from translucent plastic
sheet or vellum. In an embodiment, the sensor includes a
1-dimensional or 2-dimensional imaging sensor. In an embodiment,
the sensor includes a color imaging sensor. In an embodiment, the
sensor includes a grayscale imaging sensor. In an embodiment, the
evaluation circuit 740 is configured to determine in response to a
sensed at least two colors of sheet media present in the stack of
printable sheet media if a next sheet in the stack of printable
sheet media to be transferred to the print engine 790 is the color
of printable sheet media selected by the job request. In an
embodiment, the evaluation circuit 740 is configured to determine
in response to a sensed at least two types of sheet media present
in the stack of printable sheet media if there are enough sheets of
the selected color in the next sheets in the stack of printable
sheet media to be transferred to the print engine to complete the
job request.
[0060] In an embodiment, the sensor 724 includes a
mechanically-scanned photo sensor. In an embodiment, the system
includes another sensor configured to sense an opening of the media
tray or a removal of the media tray. In an embodiment, the another
sensor includes an in-tray imaging sensor. In an embodiment, the
another sensor includes a sensor configured to detect a removal of
tray 710 or a removal of printable sheet media from the stack of
printable sheet media 715. In an embodiment, the sensor 724 is
configured to search for a new type of printable sheet media on top
of an existing stack printable sheet media if the tray is opened
and closed but no paper is removed. In an embodiment, the sensor
724 is further configured to sense an addition of printable sheet
media to the stack of printable sheet media carried by the media
tray. In an embodiment, the sensor 724 is further configured to
sense a removal of printable sheet media from the stack of
printable sheet media carried by the media tray. In an embodiment,
the sensor 724 is further configured to store data indicative of a
thicknesses of previously-sensed types of printable sheet media and
assume a thickness for newly-loaded printable sheet media based on
matching a color, approximate thickness, or other optical
characteristics of previously sensed printable sheet media. This is
expected to enable accurate printable sheet media supply count even
for a small number of sheets.
[0061] In an embodiment, the evaluation circuit 740 is configured
to estimate (i) a number of a first type of printable sheet media
present in the stack of printable sheet media 715 carried by a
media tray 710 and (ii) a number of a second type of printable
sheet media present in the stack of printable sheet media carried
by a media tray. In an embodiment, the evaluation circuit is
configured to estimate a number of consecutive first type of
printable sheet media present in the stack of printable sheet media
715 carried by a media tray 710 and a number of consecutive second
type of printable sheet media present in the stack of printable
sheet media carried by a media tray. In an embodiment, the
evaluation circuit is configured to estimate a sequence or position
of a first type of printable sheet media present in the stack of
printable sheet media 715 carried by a media tray 710 and a
sequence or position of a second type of printable sheet media
present in the stack of printable sheet media carried by a media
tray. In an embodiment, the evaluation circuit is configured to
determine in response to the estimated number of the first type of
printable sheet media present if there is sufficient sheet media of
the selected type of printable sheet media to fulfil the job
request. In an embodiment, the evaluation circuit is configured to
determine if the next sheets in the stack of printable sheet media
to be transferred to the print engine are of the selected type of
printable sheet media and sufficient in a number to complete the
job request.
[0062] In an embodiment, the system 700 includes a feeder apparatus
730 configured to transfer a sheet 717 from the stack of printable
sheet media 715 carried by the media tray 710 to the print engine
790. In an embodiment, the feeder apparatus is further configured
to bring the selected type of printable sheet media into a
next-to-be-transferred-position in the stack of printable sheet
media carried by the media tray. For example, the sheet feeder
apparatus may feed, without printing, some number of sheets to
bring a selected type of printable sheet media for a job request to
the top of the stack of printable sheet media while allowing an
undesired printable sheet media type to be reloaded later. For
example, undesired printable sheet media may go to a separate path
or output tray. For example, the feeder apparatus may feed
undesired printable sheet media this way only if number of sheets
is within some range (i.e., feed up to 50 sheets; for greater than
50 sheets, notify a user or operator).
[0063] In an embodiment, the receiver 760 is configured to receive
the job request from a remote machine. In an embodiment, the remote
machine may include a remote machine 772 that communicates with the
system 705 over a network 770 using a communications or a network
interface 795. In an embodiment, the remote machine may include a
remote computing device 774 that communicates with the system over
the network. In an embodiment, the network may be a public or a
private network. In an embodiment, the communications circuit 750
is configured to electronically transmit to the remote machine data
indicating if the job request for production of an image on the
selected type of printable sheet media can be fulfilled from the
stack of printable sheet media.
[0064] In an embodiment, the system 705 includes the media tray 710
configured to carry the stack of printable sheet media 715. In an
embodiment, the system includes a display device 780 configured to
provide a human perceivable representation of the data indicating
if the job request for production of an image on the selected type
of printable sheet media can be fulfilled from the stack of
printable sheet media.
[0065] FIG. 10 illustrates an example operational flow 800. After a
start operation, the operational flow includes a detecting
operation 810. The detecting operation includes sensing at least
two types of printable sheet media present in a stack of printable
sheet media carried by a media tray. In an embodiment, the
detecting operation may be implemented using the sensor 724 to
sense at least two types of printable sheet media present in a
stack of printable sheet media 715 carried by the media tray 710 as
described in conjunction with FIG. 9. A reception operation 820
includes receiving a job request from a remote machine for
production of an image by a print engine on a selected type of
printable sheet media. In an embodiment, the reception operation
may be implemented using the receiver circuit 760 to receive the
job request from the remote machine 772 or 774 as described in
conjunction with FIG. 9. An ascertaining operation 830 includes
determining in response to the sensed at least two types of sheet
media present in the stack of printable sheet media if a next sheet
in the stack of printable sheet media to be transferred to the
print engine is the selected type of printable sheet media. In an
embodiment, the ascertaining operation may be implemented using the
evaluation circuit 740 as described in conjunction with FIG. 9. A
dissemination operation 840 includes electronically transmitting to
the remote machine data indicating if the job request for
production of an image on the selected type of printable sheet
media can be fulfilled from the stack of printable sheet media. In
an embodiment, the dissemination operation may be implemented using
the communications circuit 750 described in conjunction with FIG.
9. The operational flow includes an end operation.
[0066] All references cited herein are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entirety or to the extent their subject matter
is not otherwise inconsistent herewith.
[0067] In some embodiments, "configured" includes at least one of
designed, set up, shaped, implemented, constructed, or adapted for
at least one of a particular purpose, application, or function.
[0068] It will be understood that, in general, terms used herein,
and especially in the appended claims, are generally intended as
"open" terms. For example, the term "including" should be
interpreted as "including but not limited to." For example, the
term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least." For
example, the term "has" should be interpreted as "having at least."
For example, the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes
but is not limited to," etc. It will be further understood that if
a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended,
such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the
absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example,
as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may
contain usage of introductory phrases such as "at least one" or
"one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of
such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction
of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits
any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to
inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same
claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least
one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a
receiver" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one
receiver"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles
used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a
specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly
recited, it will be recognized that such recitation should
typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g.,
the bare recitation of "at least two chambers," or "a plurality of
chambers," without other modifiers, typically means at least two
chambers).
[0069] In those instances where a phrase such as "at least one of
A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," or "an [item] selected
from the group consisting of A, B, and C," is used, in general such
a construction is intended to be disjunctive (e.g., any of these
phrases would include but not be limited to systems that have A
alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and
C together, or A, B, and C together, and may further include more
than one of A, B, or C, such as A.sub.1, A.sub.2, and C together,
A, B.sub.1, B.sub.2, C.sub.1, and C.sub.2 together, or B.sub.1 and
B.sub.2 together). It will be further understood that virtually any
disjunctive word or phrase presenting two or more alternative
terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be
understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the
terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase
"A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or
"B" or "A and B."
[0070] The herein described aspects depict different components
contained within, or connected with, different other components. It
is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely
examples, and that in fact many other architectures can be
implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual
sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same
functionality is effectively "associated" such that the desired
functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein
combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as
"associated with" each other such that the desired functionality is
achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components.
Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as
being "operably connected," or "operably coupled," to each other to
achieve the desired functionality. Any two components capable of
being so associated can also be viewed as being "operably
couplable" to each other to achieve the desired functionality.
Specific examples of operably couplable include but are not limited
to physically mateable or physically interacting components or
wirelessly interactable or wirelessly interacting components.
[0071] With respect to the appended claims the recited operations
therein may generally be performed in any order. Also, although
various operational flows are presented in a sequence(s), it should
be understood that the various operations may be performed in other
orders than those which are illustrated, or may be performed
concurrently. Examples of such alternate orderings may include
overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental,
preparatory, supplemental, simultaneous, reverse, or other variant
orderings, unless context dictates otherwise. Use of "Start,"
"End," "Stop," or the like blocks in the block diagrams is not
intended to indicate a limitation on the beginning or end of any
operations or functions in the diagram. Such flowcharts or diagrams
may be incorporated into other flowcharts or diagrams where
additional functions are performed before or after the functions
shown in the diagrams of this application. Furthermore, terms like
"responsive to," "related to," or other past-tense adjectives are
generally not intended to exclude such variants, unless context
dictates otherwise.
[0072] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed
herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those
skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed
herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be
limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the
following claims.
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