Image forming systems, methods of handling media, and methods of identifying locations of interchangeable media handling devices relative to one another

Abstract

In one aspect, the invention encompasses a method of identifying the location of interchangeable media handling devices relative to one another and relative to an image forming device. A data communication path is provided in parallel data communication with a plurality of media handling devices, and also in data communication with a processor. A power connection path is provided and configured to provide power sequentially to the media handling devices. The media handling devices are initially in an lower power state. Power is provided through the power connection path to the individual media handling devices to change the power state of the media handling devices from the lower power state to an higher power state. The power travels sequentially through the power connection path to each of the media handling devices, and the individual media handling devices send a signal to the processor after they receive power. The processor utilizes the signals received from the media handling devices to identify a relative physical orientation of the media handling devices to one another, and to identify the relative physical orientation of the media handling devices to the image forming device. In another aspect, the invention encompasses a system configured to incorporate the above-described method.