Systems and methods for scraping physical media elements using presence-based operation

A feed system for processing discrete media elements, comprising:

• a first presence sensor configured to detect a presence of a media element at an inlet of a feed path;
• at least one roller operable to convey a next media element located at the inlet into the feed path;
• at least one feed motor configured to operate the at least one roller in response to detection of the presence of the media element at the inlet via the first presence sensor;
• at least one cutter mechanism operable to scrape a layer of material off of a conveyed media element in the feed path;
• at least one cutter motor configured to operate the at least one cutter mechanism in response to the detection of the presence of the media element at the inlet via the first presence sensor;
• a second presence sensor configured to detect a presence of a media element at a location near to and downstream of a first cutter mechanism of the at least one cutter mechanism, wherein:
• the second presence sensor includes a roller sensor;
• and
• the at least one cutter motor and the at least one feed motor are configured to continue operating the at least one cutter mechanism and the at least one roller until after the presence of the media element at the location near to and downstream of the first cutter mechanism is no longer detected by the second presence sensor;
• and
• at least one scanner, wherein:
• the roller sensor is an encoder roller configured to determine a conveyance speed of media elements;
• and
• the at least one scanner is configured to operate with reference to the roller sensor.