BACKGROUND

[0001] Printers or other imaging systems print text and/or images onto print media such as paper, plastic, cardboard, or other media. The printer may output to printed media to a collection tray or bin. Printers may also provide finishing processes such as stacking, aligning, collating, stapling, three-hole punching or the like. Some printing systems use internal or external finishers to provide finishing processes

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] Examples will now be described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0003] Figure 1 is a simplified side view illustration of a finisher according to one example;

[0004] Figure 2 is a simplified perspective view illustration of a mount bar according to one example;

[0005] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a finisher according to one example;

[0006] Figure 4 illustrates example sensor response during operation of a finisher according to one example.

[0007] Figure 5 is a flow diagram outlining an example method of controlling a finisher according to one example; and

[0008] Figure 6 is a flow diagram outlining an example method of controlling a finisher according to one example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] Printers and printing accessories can use bins to hold paper or other media for input to or output from a printing system. For example, a printer may have an output bin that accepts printed media that has been output from a printer. In addition, external finishers may provide finishing processes, such as stapling, hole punching, binding, or the like for a printing system. Based on shipping, transportation, or relocation logistics, certain components of a printer or finisher may be installed at a final destination. Accordingly, the installation may be performed by a user that does not have expertise in the installation procedure. The lack of expertise in installation may result in errors (though, of course, installation errors may also be made by users with expertise and/or experience).

[0010] A bin may include a tray that attaches to a mount bar to accept print media that accumulates after printing or finishing processes. One error that can occur in installation of a finisher in a printing system is failing to install a tray prior to powering on the finisher. For proper operation of the finisher, the tray should be installed on a mount bar that enables the finisher to move the tray during operation. In some example systems, if a tray is not installed prior to powering on the finisher, the finisher may raise the mount bar past an intended range of operation. When raised past the intended range of operation, the mount bar may become stalled, jammed, or otherwise fixed in a position where it cannot perform intended operations. Furthermore, the mount bar may not be accessible in a stalled position to install a tray. Once a mount bar is stalled, jammed, or otherwise inoperable, a service call to put the mount bar back into an operable state may be initiated. Furthermore, even if the mount bar is not stalled (e.g., requiring a service call), if the finisher outputs print media where there is no collection tray, the output media may fall in disarray.

[0011] In order to prevent costly service calls or down time for a printing system (among other things), systems and processes described herein confirm proper installation of a tray as part of a powering on procedure. To make that determination, the finisher moves the mount bar across a sensor. The external finisher then uses the sensor response to determine whether the tray has been installed. In some examples, the sensor may be a sensor used during operation of the finisher to control location of the tray as it collects output media.

[0012] As the mount bar is moved across a position detectable by a sensor, the sensor generates a sensor response. A controller of the finisher then interprets the response to determine whether the tray has been installed. The sensor response when the tray has been installed may be different than the sensor response when the tray is not installed. For example, the mount bar may have a c-frame construction that affects the sensor response. For example, the sensor may have a larger sensor response (e.g., a signal pulse of a longer duration, of a larger magnitude, etc.) at the flanges of the c-frame and a smaller sensor response (e.g., a signal pulse of a comparatively shorter duration, of a comparatively smaller magnitude, etc.) at the web of the c-frame as the mount bar is moved across a position detectable by the sensor. However, if the tray has been installed on the mount bar, the sensor response may be strong throughout the time that the mount bar is moved across the sensor. Accordingly, the finisher can determine if the tray is installed based on the sensor response during the time the mount bar is moved across the sensor.

[0013] In some examples, to improve accuracy of the installation detection or based on a flat shape of the mount bar, an opening may be present in the mount bar for installation detection. Accordingly, the sensor response may be small as the opening is moved across the sensor. However, if the tray has been installed, the tray may cause a different sensor response by covering the opening as the mount bar is moved across the sensor. The finisher can interpret the response to determine whether the tray has been installed.

[0014] In response to determining that the tray has been installed, the finisher may enable printing and other operations of the finisher and printing system. In addition, the finisher may provide an alert directly or through other components of a printing system indicating that the installation was complete, and that printing or finishing processes have been enabled.

[0015] In response to determining that the tray was not installed, the finisher may move the mount bar to a location accessible to install the tray. The finisher may also prevent printing or finishing operations. In some examples, the finisher may provide an alert or message indicating to a user that the tray is not properly installed.

[0016] While the disclosure discusses installation of an external finisher, the systems and processes described may also apply to installation of trays on printers or other devices within a printing system. For example, a printing system may confirm proper installation of a collection tray on a printing system that does not include an external finisher to prevent similar errors.

[0017] Figure 1 illustrates a simplified side view of a finisher 100 according to one example. For clarity, not all elements of a complete finisher 100 are shown. A finisher 100 as described herein may include any device that performs finishing processes on print media. For example, a finisher may include mechanical and electrical components to perform stapling, binding, hole-punching, or other finishing services as part of a printing system. The finisher 100 is shown as a standalone external finisher which may be connected to a printing device as part of a printing system. In some examples, the finisher 100 may be incorporated as an internal finisher and integrated with a printing device.

[0018] The finisher 100 may include a mount bar 1 10 a sensor 120 and a controller 130. The controller 130 can control components of the finisher 100 to perform finishing operations. In addition, the controller 130 can control the mount bar 1 10 to receive output print media in an output tray (not shown). The controller 130 instructs a drive mechanism coupled to the mount bar 1 10 to move the mount bar 1 10 vertically within a frame 102 of finisher 100. The drive mechanism may include a motor, piston, or other actuator that moves the mount bar. In some examples, the mount bar may be attached to a belt or other transport mechanism that moves the mount bar 1 10 when moved by the drive mechanism. Accordingly, the controller 130 can move the mount bar 1 10 to position a tray to collect output print media.

[0019] During printing and finishing operations, the controller 130 may receive a sensor response from sensor 120 in order to determine an appropriate position for the mount bar 1 10 and an attached tray. The sensor 120 may be an optical sensor, proximity sensor, or other type of sensor that changes output based on objects in a position detectably by the sensor, such as a field of view of the sensor. During finishing processes, the sensor 120 may change output as the printed media is collected and enters a detectable region of the sensor 120. The controller 130 can then adjust the position of the mount bar 1 10 to enable the tray to collect additional print media. Similarly, if there is no print media in a detectable region of the sensor 120, the controller 130 can adjust the position of the mount bar 1 10 to bring the tray closer to a media output of the finisher.

[0020] Upon powering on of the finisher 100, the mount bar 1 10 may be moved upward vertically by the controller 130. If the tray is properly installed, the sensor 120 provides a sensor response that positions the mount bar 1 10 and tray in a position to collect print media. To prevent stalling or jamming of the mount bar 1 10 in a locked position of the finisher 100, the controller 130 may perform operations to detect that the tray has been properly installed.

[0021] In order to determine that the tray has been properly installed, the controller 130 may move the mount bar 1 10 across a position detectable by the sensor 120 during power on procedures. The sensor 120 may then provide a sensor response during the period before and after the mount bar 1 10 is moved across the position detectable by the sensor. The sensor response may change based on whether or not the tray has been installed.

[0022] The controller 130 analyzes the sensor response to determine whether the tray is installed and prevent the mount bar 1 10 from stalling or jamming. Example sensor responses and their relation to tray installation and mount bar 1 10 geometry are described further with respect to Figure 3 below. In some examples, the controller 130 compares the sensor response to stored responses to determine whether the tray is installed. Accordingly, the controller 130 can determine a similarity to a sensor response associated with an installed tray or a sensor response associated with a non-installed tray to determine whether the tray is installed. In some examples, known characteristics of a sensor response can be analyzed by the controller 130 to determine whether the tray is installed. For example, the controller 130 may use edge detection or other counting processes to determine a number of changes in the sensor output and use the count to determine if the tray is installed. In other examples, the controller 130 may determine an amount of time that the sensor 120 is covered as the mount bar 1 10 crosses the position detectable by the sensor 120. In various examples, the controller 130 can use other or additional processes to determine whether the tray is installed. Non limiting examples of analysis performed by the controller 130 may include addition, subtraction, integration, or other comparison processes between a received sensor response and stored values indicating that the tray has been installed.

[0023] In the example finisher 100, the mount bar 1 10 includes an opening 1 12 that can facilitate the detection by the controller 130. The opening 1 12 may be positioned on the mount bar 1 10 so that it is aligned with the sensor 120 as the mount bar is moved vertically. The sensor 120 may provide a different output when solid portions of the mount bar 1 10 are moved across the sensor 120 than when the opening 1 12 is moved across the sensor 120. The opening 1 12 may also be positioned such that it is covered when a tray is installed. Accordingly, the sensor 120 will provide a different sensor response when the opening 1 12 is exposed than when the opening 1 12 is covered by the installation of a tray.

[0024] In some examples, a mount bar 1 10 may not include an opening 1 12. Accordingly, the controller 130 may determine whether the tray is installed based on other features of a sensor response. For example, the mount bar 1 10 may have a c-frame geometry that generates a sensor response with a different value at the flanges of the c-frame than on the web of the c-frame. When a tray is installed, it may change the sensor response to being uniform between the flanges and web of the c-frame. For example, the sensor 120 may be an optical sensor and the presence of an installed tray may cause less light to reach the sensor 120. The controller 130 may then determine whether the tray is installed based on the changed sensor response.

[0025] In response the controller 130 determining that the tray is installed, it may communicate with a printing system to indicate that the tray is installed. If no other issues are detected during powering on operations, the controller 130 may also provide an indication that it is ready to perform finishing processes and the printing system can enable printing.

[0026] In response to the controller 130 determining that the tray is not installed, it may communicate with a printing system to indicate that the tray is not installed. In some examples, the controller 130 moves the mount bar 1 10 to a position where it is not stalled and where the mount bar 1 10 is an accessible position for the tray to be installed. The controller 130 may also provide an alert through an interface of the finisher 100 or through a remote interface that printing is not enabled, that the tray is not installed, or other alerts indicating that the finisher 100 will not operate properly.

[0027] Figure 2 is a simplified perspective view illustration of a mount bar 200 according to an example. The mount bar 200 in Figure 2 has a c-frame construction with a web section 210 and two flange sections 220. The mount bar 200 may be moved across a sensor as described with reference to Figure 1 to determine whether a tray has been properly installed on an external finisher or other device. The sensor response may change based on whether a tray has been installed. For example, the flange sections 220 and web section 210 may provide a different sensor response that is detectable by the sensor. If a tray has been installed, it may change those responses. For example, the mount bar 200 may include mount openings 230 to accept a tray during installation. When a tray is installed in mount openings 230, the sensor response may have different characteristics. For example, the sensor response may change as discussed further with reference to Figure 3 below.

[0028] Figure 3 illustrates a finisher 300 with controller 310, according to an example. The finisher 300 may be an internal or external finisher that provides finishing processes such as stacking, aligning, collating, stapling, hole punching, or the like. The controller 310 includes a processor 320, such as a microprocessor or microcontroller. The processor 320 is electronically coupled to a memory 330 via a suitable communications bus (not shown). The memory 330 stores a set of machine readable instructions that are readable and executable by the processor 320 to control operations of the finisher 300. For example, any of the example methods, operations, or processes described herein may be performed in response to execution of instructions stored in memory 330. In some examples, the instructions may be firmware that can be updated as the finisher is powered on and before other powering on operations are performed.

[0029] In some examples, the memory 330 stores installation detection instructions 335 that, when executed by the processor 320, cause the finisher 300 to perform operations to confirm installation of a tray on a mount bar. For example, the instructions may cause the finisher 300 to move a mount bar across a sensor 350. The sensor 350 may then generate a sensor response as the mount bar is moved across a position detectable by the sensor 350. The sensor 350 may be electrically coupled to the processor 320 and provide the sensor response to the processor 320. The processor 320 can then continue executing installation detection instructions 335 to determine whether the tray has been installed on the mount bar.

[0030] In addition to installation detection instructions 335, the controller 310 may also include additional instructions to control other operations of the finisher 300. For example, the memory 330 may include instructions that case the processor 320 to control operations of finishing processes, control positioning of the mount bar during operation, communicate with a printing system, control an interface, or the like.

[0031] Figure 4 illustrates example sensor responses 402, 404, 406, 408 generated based on installation status of a tray on a mount bar. The sensor responses 402, 404, 406, 408 may be generated during power on processes of a finisher. For example, the sensor responses 402, 404, 406, 408 may be generated by sensor 120 or sensor 350 as described with reference to Figures 1 and 3.

[0032] Sensor response 402 illustrates an example generated by a sensor as a mount bar is moved across a position detectable by the sensor when a tray has not been installed on the mount bar. As shown in the sensor response 402, the sensor outputs a reading that changes when the mount bar passes the sensor. The mount bar may have a c-frame construction, for instance. Accordingly, the sensor response 402 indicates change when the flanges of the c-frame are passing across the position detectable by the sensor than when the web of the c-frame passes across the sensor.

[0033] Sensor response 404 illustrates an example generated by a sensor as a mount bar is moved across a position detectable by the sensor when a tray has been installed on the mount bar. As shown in the sensor response 404, the sensor outputs a reading that changes when the mount bar passes the sensor. The mount bar may be the same that generated the sensor response 402 after having a tray installed. Accordingly, the sensor response 404 indicates change when the flanges of the c-frame are passing across the sensor with a different response based on the tray installation. A controller can use the changed response to determine that the tray is installed.

[0034] Sensor response 406 illustrates an example generated by a sensor as a mount bar is moved across a position detectable by the sensor when a tray has not been installed on the mount bar. As shown in the sensor response 406, the sensor outputs a reading that changes when the mount bar passes the sensor. The mount bar may have an opening that becomes covered when a tray has been installed, for instance. Accordingly, the sensor response 406 indicates when solid portions of a mount bar passes across the sensor and when the opening passes across the sensor. As shown in the sensor response 406, the sensor detects the opening of the mount bar, which a controller can interpret to determine that a tray is not installed.

[0035] Sensor response 408 illustrates an example generated by a sensor as a mount bar is moved across a position detectable by the sensor when a tray has been installed on the mount bar. As shown in the sensor response 408, the sensor outputs a reading that changes when the mount bar passes the sensor. The mount bar may be the same that generated the sensor response 406 after having a tray installed. Accordingly, the sensor response 408 indicates that the opening has been covered and the tray is installed. The controller can use the changed response to determine that the tray is installed.

[0036] In various examples, a sensor may generate other responses, based on the geometry of a mount bar and the impact of tray installation. For example, the sensor response may have a gradient rather than a binary response. In addition, a mount bar may have additional openings, or a system may have multiple sensors that may each provide a sensor response.

[0037] Figure 5 illustrates an example flow diagram 500 that may be

performed by a finisher. For example, the flow diagram may be performed by a finisher as described with reference to Figures 1 and 3 above. The flow diagram may be performed based on instructions from a controller as described with reference to Figure 3, for instance.

[0038] Beginning at block 502, the finisher moves a mount bar across a position detectable by a sensor. For example, a controller may instruct a motor or other drive device coupled to the mount bar to move the mount bar to a position that causes the mount bar to pass across a sensor. The finisher may move the mount bar to a set position within the finisher or may move the mount bar based on output from a sensor. For example, the finisher may identify a position that the sensor detects the mount bar and calibrate a position of the mount bar to use for detection of installation of a tray.

[0039] In block 504, a controller of the finisher receives a sensor response from the sensor. For example, the sensor may provide an output over a period of time corresponding to the movement of the mount bar across the position detectable by the sensor. In some examples, the sensor may be an optical sensor. The sensor may also be another type of sensor that provides an output based on proximity or other characteristics that enable detection of a tray’s installation. The sensor may provide output to a controller through a communication bus. In some examples, the sensor may provide a response or waveform as described with reference to Figure 4. The sensor may provide an output to the controller constantly, or in response to an input or query provided by the controller.

[0040] In block 506, the finisher determines, based on the sensor response, whether a tray is installed on the mount bar. For example, a controller may compare the received sensor response to an expected sensor response that is stored in a memory electrically coupled to the controller. In some

examples, the controller may count a number of edges detected in the sensor response while the mount bar crosses the sensor or an amount of time that the sensor indicates the presence of an object in a detectable position. If the controller determines that the tray has been installed, it may enable operation of the finisher. If the controller determines that the tray has not been installed, it may move the mount bar to a position that enables installation or otherwise alert a printer or user that the tray is not installed properly.

[0041] The processes described with reference to flow diagram 500 may be performed in response to powering on the finisher to determine that the tray is installed prior to performing finishing operations. This may prevent stalling or jamming of a mount bar if a tray is not installed. It may also prevent outputting of print media that will not be collected in a tray that is not installed. In some examples, after determining that a tray has been installed, the finisher may store the installation status to prevent running the installation check

unnecessarily. In some examples, the finisher may run an installation check each time it is powered on.

[0042] Figure 6 illustrates an example flow diagram 600 that may be performed by a finisher. For example, the flow diagram may be performed by a finisher as described with reference to Figures 1 and 3 above. The flow diagram may be performed based on instructions from a controller as described with reference to Figure 3, for instance.

[0043] Beginning at block 602, the finisher moves a mount bar across a position detectable by a sensor. For example, a controller may instruct a motor or other drive device coupled to the mount bar to move the mount bar to a position that causes the mount bar to pass across a sensor. The finisher may move the mount bar to a set position within the finisher or may move the mount bar based on output from a sensor. For example, the finisher may identify a position that the sensor detects the mount bar and calibrate a position of the mount bar to use for detection of installation of a tray.

[0044] In block 604, a controller of the finisher receives a sensor response from the sensor. For example, the sensor may provide an output over a period of time corresponding to the movement of the mount bar across the position detectable by the sensor. In some examples, the sensor may be an optical sensor. The sensor may also be another type of sensor that provides an output based on proximity or other characteristics that enable detection of a tray’s installation. The sensor may provide output to a controller through a communication bus. In some examples, the sensor may provide a response or waveform as described with reference to Figure 4. The sensor may provide an output to the controller constantly, or in response to an input or query provided by the controller.

[0045] In block 606, the finisher determines, based on the sensor response, whether a tray is installed on the mount bar. For example, a controller may compare the received sensor response to an expected sensor response that is stored in a memory electrically coupled to the controller. In some

examples, the controller may count a number of edges detected in the sensor response while the mount bar crosses the sensor or an amount of time that the sensor indicates the presence of an object in a detectable position. If the controller determines that the tray has been installed, the process continues to block 610.

[0046] In block 610 the finisher provides an indication that the tray was successfully installed. For example, the finisher may indicate that printing and finishing operations are available, may provide an alert or indication on an interface, or may otherwise indicate proper installation. In some examples, the finisher communicates with other components of a printing system and indicates the proper installation to other controllers or processing components. In some examples, the finisher provides an indication that the tray was successfully installed by not providing another an indication that the tray is not installed. [0047] If in block 606, the finisher determines that no tray is installed, the process continues to block 608. In block 608, the finisher provides an indication that the tray is not installed. For example, the finisher may indicate that printing and finishing operations are not available. The indication may be provided on an interface, to other components of a printing system, to an account associated with a user of the device, or the like. In some examples, the finisher moves the mount bar to a position where the tray can be installed. The position enabling tray installation may also provide an indication to a user that the tray was not installed. After providing an indication that the tray was not installed, the finisher may repeat the tray detection process after a set amount of time, or after receiving user input indicating that the tray is installed. For example, powering on processes may be paused until there is an indication that the tray was installed prior to determining if the tray was installed a second time.

[0048] The processes described with reference to flow diagram 600 may be performed in response to powering on the finisher to determine that the tray is installed prior to performing finishing operations. This may prevent stalling or jamming of a mount bar in the case that a tray is not installed. It may also prevent outputting of print media that will not be collected in a tray that is not installed. In some examples, after determining that a tray has been installed, the finisher may store the installation status to prevent running the installation check unnecessarily. In some examples, the finisher may run an installation check each time it is powered on.

[0049] It will be appreciated that examples described herein can be realized in the form of hardware, software, firmware or a combination of hardware and software. Any such software or firmware may be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage such as, for example, a storage device like a ROM, whether erasable or rewritable or not, or in the form of memory such as, for example, RAM, memory chips, device or integrated circuits or on an optically or magnetically readable medium such as, for example, a CD, DVD, magnetic disk or magnetic tape. In various examples, other transitory or non-transitory computer-readable medium may store such instructions. It will be appreciated that the storage devices and storage media are examples of machine- readable storage that are suitable for storing a program or programs that, when executed, implement examples described herein. Accordingly, some examples provide a program comprising code for implementing a system or method as claimed in any preceding claim and a machine-readable storage storing such a program.

[0050] The features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or the operations or processes of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or processes are mutually exclusive.

[0051] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is an example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.